Bulgarian wine

Bulgaria is best known for its hearty red wines, made using native varieties and popular international grapes. Prominent among these is Mavrud, known for its dark fruit undertones and bold, full-bodied profile. Melnik, another native variety, shines with its lush fruitiness and richness. International varietals such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also find a unique expression in Bulgarian vineyards.

While red wine rules here, Bulgarian whites shouldn’t be overlooked – they range from bright and crisp to rich and complex. Local variety Dimyat is typically aromatic and fresh with ripe peach and pear flavours, while Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and vibrant.

With a long history steeped in tradition and a diverse range of terroirs, Bulgarian wines are as popular as they are delicious.

Wine has been a part of Bulgarian culture for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the Thracians, who inhabited what is now modern-day Bulgaria, were making wine as far back as 4,000 BC. They worshipped Dionysus, the god of wine, and wine production was deeply interwoven with their culture and traditions.

Wine production remained domestic until the late 19th century when the country started exporting wines to other parts of Europe, particularly England and France.

However, the industry was heavily impacted by the Phylloxera epidemic that swept across Europe in the late 19th century, devastating vineyards. The industry recovered primarily by planting French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

After the fall of communism in 1989, the industry saw a shift towards quality wine production. There was a renewed focus on indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods, with many small boutique wineries established.

Today, Bulgarian wine is known for its depth, variety and quality.

Bulgaria is home to several notable wine regions, each with its unique characteristics.

• Thracian Valley – Located in southern Bulgaria, it is famous for its red wines. The region has a continental climate of hot summers and cold winters. Mavrud is the most prized grape here – a local variety that makes rich, full-bodied red wines. Other significant and international grape varieties include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Danube River Plains – This region in northern Bulgaria enjoys a temperate climate and fertile clay and loam soils that are ideal for growing red and white grapes. Notable grapes include the local Gamza and international varieties like Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Black Sea Coastal region – Covering the eastern parts of Bulgaria, this region has a moderate climate, perfect for growing white grapes that retain their acidity. The soils are mostly loamy and rich in carbonate, which adds a distinct signature minerality to the region’s wines. Native white grapes such as Dimyat and Misket Cherven are popular, along with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Struma Valley – Home to the local red grape variety Melnik. Located in Southwest Bulgaria, the climate is Mediterranean, and the soils are primarily sandy with some clay. The Melnik wines from this region are rich and warming, with red fruit and spice flavours.

Bulgaria is highly regarded for its red wines, which showcase the country’s rich winemaking traditions and distinctive character. These are the most celebrated red wines produced here:

• Mavrud – Grown mainly in the Thracian Valley in southern Bulgaria, this native grape produces robust, full-bodied reds. These wines feature complex flavours – often a blend of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberries and cherries, and herbal notes. Mavrud wines also have a good tannic structure, allowing them to age gracefully and become more complex over time.
• Melnik – Another native grape variety that has gained positive attention in Bulgarian red wines. Named after the town of Melnik in the southwestern Struma Valley, these wines are known for their rich fruitiness and spicy undertones. Melnik wines were reportedly a favourite of Winston Churchill.
• Cabernet Sauvignon – These wines have the rich, dark fruit flavours of the grape variety and the savoury green bell pepper note.
• Merlot – Bulgarian Merlots are typically smooth and plush, balanced with ripe fruit flavours and softer tannins. This makes them a popular, easy-drinking option.
• Syrah – Bulgarian Syrah is known for its full-bodied character and often exhibits rich, dark fruit flavours such as blackberry, blueberry and plum.

Although known primarily for its reds, Bulgaria produces excellent white wines that deserve attention, including:

• Dimyat – A native Bulgarian grape variety mainly found in the Black Sea Coastal and Sub-Balkan regions. The wines produced from this grape are typically aromatic and fresh, with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Look for flavours of ripe peaches and pears and a hint of fresh herbs. Some Dimyat wines also showcase a subtle mineral character, a reflection of the rich soils in the Black Sea Coastal region.
• Chardonnay – Bulgarian Chardonnay is made in various styles, from lean and crisp to full-bodied and oak-aged. The leaner styles often have strong green apple and citrus flavours, while the richer, oak-influenced wines have more luxurious notes of tropical fruit, vanilla and butter.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc wines are generally fresh and vibrant, with a high acidity. They often have aromas and flavours of green fruits like gooseberry and green apple, along with distinctive fresh herbaceous notes.