Bulgarian native grape, Mavrud

Once upon a time, (well, twenty years ago in fact, in the 1980′s), Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon was the biggest selling wine in the UK?!

So where did it go, you may ask? Well, it’s a very sad story.

Due to the fall of communism in the 1980′s, the whole infrastructure of the wine industry in Bulgaria collapsed. Controls on quality and classification ceased to exist and acres and acres of vineyards were just left abandoned and neglected. Those remaining produced wine we would rather not drink!

Bulgarian wine’s reputation was ruined as quality didn’t seem to matter anymore – the consumer moved on to new wines….

Their success was a lot to do with their marketability, as well as quality, because International grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, had been planted and were easily recognisable to us as consumers in the export market.

After the initial boom and then the tragic collapse in the 1980′s, millions of pounds have now been re-invested from foreign investors- the USA, Japan etc. They have privatised the best wineries and rejuvenated these dormant vineyards and installed quality control again.

With this funding, along with foreign winemaking experts now on hand, Bulgaria is now rebuilding its reputation (albeit slowly). A reputation as a country for reasonably priced, good quality, quaffable, fruity wines that we love to drink.

So give Bulgaria the second chance it deserves!

Wine Regions:

The main wine regions of Bulgaria are

• The Black Sea
• Danube plain
• Thracian Valley
• Struma Valley

Classic Styles:

• Easy drinking, soft, fruity reds with medium body and medium acidity
• Un-oaked, fresh whites

Grape Varieties:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Other regional varieties (reds)
• Chardonnay
• Rkatsiteli (regional white)

Must Tastes:

• Shumar region’s Chardonnay
• Srischtov region’s Cabernet Sauvignon
• Thracian Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon (Blue Ridge)

{ 0 comments }