For connoisseurs and explorers - The wine regions of Bulgaria
"Beer is man's work, but wine is from God," said Martin Luther. Wine lovers know how blessed Bulgaria is in this respect and appreciate Bulgarian wines as diverse and multifaceted delicacies. The combination of Mediterranean and continental climate at the same latitudes as Tuscany or Bordeaux are the reason for productive and high quality wine growing. Get to know the long tradition and the five different wine-growing regions of Bulgaria and find your local Bulgarian wine to fall in love with!
Tradition of wine growing in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a wine-growing tradition that goes back thousands of years. Archaeologists have found traces of wine presses in this region dating back to 4000 BC.
At the latest since the 8th century before Christ, with the emergence of the Thracians in the area, the first written evidence of early viticulture can be found. Thus, already the Greek Herodotus in his Iliad praised the Thracian wine and the skills of the population in the Thrace of that time.
However, even if the culture and the language of the Thracians were forgotten for a long time and their greatness and importance were rediscovered only by modern archaeology, the rich art of viticulture and the long tradition of grape refinement live on in the people of Bulgaria to this day. The fame of the wines from these lands reached far even then, so much so that some of the ancient Greeks considered their god of wine, Dionysius, to be a god of Thracian descent.
In 46 A.D., the Romans incorporated the region into their empire after tough battles with the Thracians, who were considered to be specialists in hand-to-hand combat. The Roman occupation brought new methods of viticulture and wine-making to present-day Bulgaria. A heterogeneous stocking of vineyards developed, adapted to grape and climate. Location and slope became increasingly important and different varieties were planted on one field for the best yield. Supported cultivation variants were tried and in the method called vitis arbustiva, the vine even climbed up poplars, elms and ash trees. This period was marked by mutual influence, as the cultivation and processing of the noble vines was improved and Thracian wine gained fame throughout the Roman Empire.
Today's Bulgaria, and with it the Thracian winegrowers, remained an integral part of the Eastern Roman and later Byzantine empires even after the fall of Western Rome. In the Middle Ages, therefore, it was Christian monasteries and their monks who cultivated and continued to cultivate mainly red wine in extensive facilities because of the excellent conditions.
During the Ottoman rule, Bulgarian wine no longer played a significant role, at least in public life, as the Koran prohibited any consumption of alcohol. As a result, primarily table grapes were cultivated during this period, so as not to leave the top vineyards unused.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the phylloxera crisis, which spread from the 1860s through vines from North America via London to France, also caused damage in Bulgaria. In order to stop this plague, the chemical approach of Jean-Baptiste Dumas and Louis Pasteur was used in France for a long time, but without success. Only the more environmentally friendly attempt of Jules Émile Planchon with the use of resistant rootstocks led to the control of this pest and influenced modern viticulture in Bulgaria. Not only were new rootstocks introduced, but French grape varieties were partially established and cultivated with great success to this day.
In the course of this, thanks to the intensified exchange, Bulgaria saw the development of winegrowing cooperatives based on the Western European model, which, however, with the advent of socialism, were merged into the state monopoly Vinprom from 1947. New specialists were trained in state viticultural schools. A comprehensive and organized viticulture on an industrial scale developed, supplying the entire Eastern Bloc with wine. For this reason, even today people from Russia appreciate a good drop of Bulgarian wine.
After 1990, Vinprom was dissolved and the individual wineries were privatized, which promoted the diversity and uniqueness of Bulgarian wines. Today, about two million hectoliters of wine are produced on 97,000ha and there are now more wine presses in Bulgaria than in France. Winegrowing has also been promoted with modernization programs, so that 5,000 hectares of vineyards have been replanted under the EU's SAPARD program alone.
In the course of this long tradition, viticulture is so much in the genes of the Bulgarians that even today several festivities are based on the old viticulture culture. Worth mentioning in this context is the Trifon Zarezan, the day of the winegrowers, which is celebrated on February 14 and during which the vines are ritually pruned. The long and rich tradition of Bulgarian winegrowers has given rise to such unique grape varieties as Gamza, Mavrud, Pamid, Dimjat and Misket, which are definitely worth discovering!
The unique geographical position between Europe and Asia and the climatic conditions make viticulture in Bulgaria a guarantee of success and have been providing wines of great pleasure for generations. Thanks to the optimal growing conditions, French grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat and Riesling are among the country's top products.
Due to the multifaceted nature of the country, five wine-growing regions have been established in Bulgaria over the course of history, which you can explore in more detail below.
Danube Lowland - Northern Cultivation Area
With its 2857 km, the Danube is the second longest river in Europe and touches ten countries as a true European. The lower course flows through the Danube lowlands, a fertile basin landscape. Between the mighty course of the Danube in the north and the Balkan Mountains in the south, the northern cultivation area of Bulgaria stretches over a length of about 500 km and a width of 20 to 120 km. Rolling hills and a landscape crisscrossed by many rivers are characterized by many small micro-zones ideal for wine growing. A large number of independent sub-regions with their own wine cultures have developed here over time. The result is a diverse spectrum of grape varieties that promises exciting discoveries.
The temperate climate in the Danube plain is continental in character, bringing hot, dry summers with plenty of sunshine. The average temperature in the hottest month of the year is 21-24°C and the temperature sum during the vegetation period of 180 to 213 days ranges from 3500°C to 3980°C per year. Winters, on the other hand, can be severe with ground frost. The average rainfall is 550-600mm per year. The intense hours of sunshine and the rainfall benefit the wine and promise high-yielding and successful viticulture. For this reason, it is not surprising that about 1/3 of Bulgaria's vineyards are located in this region.
The native grape variety Gamza originated mainly here in the north and 90% of it is cultivated in the Danube lowlands. The vegetation conditions have created a variety that is characterized by light red wines in ruby colors with fruity fresh notes.
However, other red grape varieties are also grown in the Danube lowlands, such as the high-quality supra-regional Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot, or the native Pamid. The small and thin-skinned berries of the Pamid give a light red, harmonious and medium-weight wine. Pamid is the most widespread grape variety in Bulgaria with about 15000 hectares.
International varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Aligote and Sauvignon Blanc are successfully grown as white wines and even dessert and sparkling wines are produced in this region.
The most famous growing areas of the rather filigree wines of the north are in Novo Selo, Vidin, Lom, Orjahovo, Magura, Pleven, Svishtov, Dve Mogili, Russe, Suhindol, Pavlikeni, Nikopol, Biala and Ljaskovetz.
Wines from the Danube lowlands
Black Sea region - Eastern Cultivation Area
The Jantra River divides the Danube from the Black Sea region, which is home to some of the country's best wines. The eastern wine-growing region stretches along the Black Sea coast, popular with vacationers, and includes the Dobrudja Plain, the Ludogorie Hills and the Strandscha Mountains to the south. Perhaps the best known region in Bulgaria, it is one of the largest wine-growing areas in Bulgaria, with over 30,000 hectares of vineyards.
Meteorologically, the region is characterized by the mild Black Sea climate, which is characterized by frost-free spring months, sunny summers, a long and mild autumn and moderate winters. Especially the mild autumn is favorable for white wines, which, stimulated by sufficient sugar formation, results in high-quality semi-dry white wines. The entire growing season lasts about 210 days, with the moderate summer months rarely getting warmer than 22-23°C. The temperature sum ranges from 3 600 to 4 000°C and the annual precipitation ranges from 469 to 633mm. In the ripening phase of the vines, the rainfall is usually less than 100mm, favoring the fresh and elegant nature of the wines grown here.
The late ripening Dimyat is one of the oldest white wine varieties in Bulgaria and tends to have high sugar concentration combined with fresh acidity. Likewise, the red Misket, also known as Misket Cherven, which is native only to Bulgaria, thrives well under these climatic conditions of the Black Sea region. The name is somewhat misleading, however, as a delicately fragrant, light white wine is pressed from the rose- and pink-colored berries.
In terms of international white wines, excellent Chardonnays come from the eastern region, which are often aged in barriques according to the old model. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Ugni Blanc, Traminer, Muskat Ottonel, or Rkatsiteli, whose berries from the Black Sea enjoy a particularly good reputation, also benefit from the favorable climate. In some parts of the region, especially in the northern area, red wines of the grape varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pamid also feel at home.
The most famous wine-growing areas are Shumen, Razgrad, Kavarna, Silistra, Kableshkovo, Khan Krum, Targovishte, Preslav, Pomorie, Burgas, Varna, Novi Pazar and Euxinograd, some of which have well-known wineries.
Wines from the Black Sea region
Rose Valley - Middle Cultivation Area
In the heart of Bulgaria, in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, a narrow strip of land extends on about 15000ha. Here, in addition to the namesake roses, grapevines are successfully cultivated. The average annual precipitation of 650mm is higher than in the rest of the country, because the mountain ranges of Stara Planina and Sredna Gora dam up the air masses coming from the south. In September and October the amount of precipitation does not exceed 90mm, allowing the berries to ripen gently. The annual temperature sum during the vegetation period is 4000°C. These are optimal conditions for the growth of the native variety of the already mentioned Red Misket.
Furthermore, the international varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, among others, are cultivated. In recent times, the Pinot Noir and Syrah grape varieties have also been successfully cultivated in the central growing area.
Wines from the Rose Valley convince with their strong fruit aroma and a fresh, harmonious bouquet. Particularly outstanding is the local red Muscat, which is considered one of the best wines of the country. Well-known growing areas can be found around Karlovo, Sungurlare, Slavyantsi, Karnobat and Sliven.
For visitors, besides the noble delicacies of Dionysus, the sophisticated rose-growing is naturally attractive. Since 1750, the Rose Valley has been the most important region for the extraction of rose oil and now Bulgaria covers 70% of the world production. The harvest time of roses between May and June covers the whole valley with a sea of roses and wraps its visitors in a fairytale fragrance.
Wines from the Rose Valley
Thracian Lowland - Southern Cultivation Area
The area of the country also known as the Trachian Valley produces remarkable wines thanks to a temperate climate, fertile soil and numerous water sources. About 35% of Bulgaria's vineyard area is located in the southern growing region. In this wine-growing region extends the Thracian lowlands, crossed by the great valleys of the Maritza and Tundscha rivers. The foothills of the Sakar Mountains form the southeastern end. The mountains of the north protect the plain from cold north winds, which has also proved excellent for the cultivation of red wines due to the favorable soil conditions.
The growing season begins in the first weeks of April and lasts until November, ensuring good grape ripening due to plenty of sunshine. The annual temperature sum varies between 3700 and 4000°C, with the average of the hottest month being 23-24°C. The annual precipitation in the Traki Valley ranges from 530 to 650mm, dropping to about 80 to 90mm during the grape harvest.
The southern region has emerged as the best growing area for the native grape variety Mavrud, which is grown mainly in the areas around Assenovgrad, Pazardzhik and Plovdiv. Mavrud probably takes its name from the Greek word "mavro", which means "black" and refers to the deep dark color of the wine. The late budding grape benefits from the warm and dry late autumn and yields a powerful and full-bodied wine that has good aging and maturation potential.
In terms of international wines, the red grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in particular are made into top wines. However, the vast expanses of the Thracian Plain are home to almost all red wine varieties in the multitude of wineries. Likewise, white wines such as Muscat, Muscat Ottonel, Dimiat and Rkatsiteli feel very much at home in this part of Bulgaria. The general revival of the region with improved pressing technology is producing remarkable wines and promises a dazzling future for the Thracian Valley.
Plovdiv in the heart of the region, Stara Zagora in the northeast and Oerushitza in the west have emerged as the centers of the wine-growing area, although Perushtiza, Brestoviza, Assenovgrad, Haskovo and Lyubimez do not have to hide either.
Wines from the Thracian Plain
Struma Valley - Southwestern Cultivation Area
The smallest of Bulgaria's wine-growing regions is named after the river of the same name and covers only a good 10,000ha. In the south it borders on Greece and has a Mediterranean climate as a special feature. Brown earth soils from volcanic prehistory and relatively high annual temperature sums of 4100°C in a vegetation phase of 220 to 230 days are optimally suitable for the cultivation of wine under these conditions. The wine can ripen here in peace until the end of November. The average temperature of the warmest month reaches peaks of 25°C. The average annual precipitation is about 530mm.
The warm, dry summers and mild winters have given birth to the special Bulgarian grape variety of Melnik in this wine-growing region. This powerful and full-bodied red wine dominates the Struma Valley with a 75% share. The broad-leafed Melnik develops a rich and flavorful bouquet with aging and imparts an exotic flair.
International varieties grown are primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Larger wineries are located in Damjanitza, Harsovo, Petrich, Sandanski and Blagoevgrad.
The Struma Valley is famous not only for its wine, as the border between the Thracian Empire and Macedonia, it was often the scene of warlike conflicts in ancient times.
Wines from the Struma Valley
