The keys to old Bulgaria

It is always the fall season that we go back to Bulgaria to load up on heavy Bordeaux style reds and Sauvignon Blanc for the cold weather. This year we decided to go a bit old school, and dig out some traditional varieties that are a little more uncommon.

Apart from a big barrel aged Merlot and a Syrah that are both full of tannin and spice and just overall lovely, this is our first adventure into Melnik. The Melnik grape comes from the village of the same name located in the south west of Bulgaria. With a thriving population of 385 (yep….) this little village produces wines that are compared with Châteauneuf-du-Pape because of of the spice and power. Don’t just take my word for it, Melnik was one of the favorite wine varieties of Winston Churchill.  We also have a wine exclusively from Mavrud. This grape is normally used for blending, as it is a low yielding variety. But when you get is right, it produces something very similar to a Syrah, full of spice and tannin and great for aging.

And what is special about this months whites ? Only (no lie) the best Bulgarian white wine I have found in the past 5 years, the Bratanov Chardonnay sur lis. “Sur Lis” is French for oak aged, and this wine is of a quality comparable to the best Chardonnays anywhere. Add to this the award winning cuveé “eXcentric”, with a less round, more acidic spicy flavor that you will find interesting for sure. And of course, what would a Bulgarian box be without a Muscat. This is still my favorite white variety from the region. It seems to be a good match for the summer heat and the terroir.

You now have the keys to discover some of the best of old and new Bulgarian wines – go discover!

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