Bulgaria
Definition - What does Bulgaria mean?
Bulgaria is a country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Serbia to the northwest, Macedonia on the southwest and Turkey to the southeast. This southeastern based nation is known to be one of the most historical and prolific wine producing regions in the world of viticulture since the time of the ancient Thracians. Bulgaria was ranked the 2nd largest wine producer in world from 1970 to 1980, but after seeing the fall of communism in 1989, Bulgaria's wine industry declined.
The country is comprised of 5 wine producing regions (Danube, Black Sea, Rose Valley, Thracian Valley and Struma Valley). Each of these regions are known to have their own varied climates and grape varieties.
WineFrog explains Bulgaria
The Bulgarian wine industry is gradually finding its way back on the map as a modern wine producing country. The landscape, climate and soil of Bulgarian regions practically offer the perfect wine producing conditions, and the country is known for producing high-quality wines, especially reds as compared to white wines at relatively half the price.
Bulgaria's grape varieties for producing rich luxurious red wines include,
- Kadarka or Gamza (local grape)
- Mavrud (local grape)
- Melnik (local grape)
- Pamid (local grape)
- Rubin (local grape)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot noir
Bulgaria's grape varieties for producing white wines include,
- Misket Cherven or Red Misket (local grape)
- Ottonel (local grape)
- Dimiat (local grape)
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Traminer or Gewürztraminer
