Wine making in Bulgaria began to be practiced by the ancient Greeks. It is known that in these lands drinks ripened in the cellars at a constant temperature, optimal for fermentation. Then the wine was poured into huge amphoras with the stigma, which indicated the year of harvest, the region of origin and the “life” of the producer. Even then, Bulgarian wines were in great demand in the ancient world and were actively exported to the metropolis - Greece. Since then, the art of cultivating vines and making drinks has not faded.
Ancient Rome, Byzantium, Bulgarian kingdoms, the Ottoman Empire - not always fate favored the winegrowers. Twice almost all the vines were ruthlessly cut down. The first time this happened under the lawmaker Khan Krum in 681, the second - during the long (from 1396 to 1878) Turkish yoke. But every time the vines survived thanks to the Orthodox monks. In honor of them, some Bulgarian wines bear names associated with the schemniki. The most famous - "Monastery hut", "Confession of the Czernets."
Bulgaria is home to several grape varieties. Now the whole world is flooded with classic, transcontinental, species such as Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Riesling. However, local winemakers prefer to deal with their own, traditional vines. Mostly Bulgarian wines are varietal, that is, produced from berries of the same species. But sometimes there are blending. Just European varieties are woven into the bouquet - Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet, Uny Blanc, Traminer.
The best Bulgarian wines, contrary to our established beliefs, are red. The first to mention is the Mavrud variety (it is especially beautiful in the south of the country). This grade makes first-class dry as well as
dessert wines. Not inferior to him in taste of the Bulgarians. It gives the wine astringency and a juicy scarlet color. One cannot but recall the varieties of late ripening. Among them, Gymsa stands out (grown in northern Bulgaria). Local grapes are also made from this grape. Kadarka gives life to semi-dry, and Pamid - rosé wines.
But not only red drinks this country is known. White Bulgarian wines also deserve sincere praise. Brandy spirits are produced from Dimyat. Cherven-Misket can be purchased cheaply while relaxing in the Varna and Burgas districts. It gives the
wine a muscat velvety taste and playfulness. Vratsa-Misket gives strong drinks with a rich aroma. In the field of white wines, local producers actively use European varieties - Chardonnay, Aligote. But the climate of Bulgaria, with its hot summers, is unfavorable for Riesling.
During the Soviet Union, this southern country was the main supplier of wine. Two echelons of fifty tanks left daily for Moscow. Then, exports declined due to high duties. But even now, good Bulgarian wines in Moscow can be bought from 250 rubles per bottle. First of all, it is Mezzek, made from Mavrud with the addition of Cabernet and Merlot. Also a good blend of Mavrud and Shiraz is presented in the wine of Villa Vinifera. The Pamidovo brand merged the juices of the local Aktis grapes with Merlot. Mmgorod from Assenovgrad is especially appreciated - this is a long-lived wine. It can be aged over ten years.