GG_N52_FR

BULGARIA
DISCOVERY
RIKAT
Rikat is the local name of the Rkatsiteli grape.
Although not originally from Bulgaria, this is
the most planted white grape in the country. It
is mostly used in white wine blends, with single
varietals quite rare.
RUEN
Ruen is an almost-extinct cross between
Broadleafed Melnik and Cabernet Sauvignon. It
was created in Pleven, Bulgaria in 1951 and officially
released in 1964. Ruen has only been planted
in the Struma Valley.
THE VINEYARDS AT BOROVITZA
BOUQUET
Bouquet is a red variety selected in 1951 in an experimental
vineyard by crossing Mavrud and Pinot Noir.
PAMID
Pamid was in the past the most planted grape in
Bulgaria, consumed as a table grape and also used
to make wine. It was planted on the entire Balkan
Peninsula, under several different names. Wines
from Pamid are light in colour and reasonably
good for immediate consumption. Pamid is also
suitable for blends and rosé wines.
THE BRATANOV FAMILY - FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, HRISTO BRATANOV, TANYA AVRAMOVA
AND DANIEL BRATANOV - THE OWNERS OF BRATANOV WINERY, SALES TEAM AND
WINEMAKER (MARIA STOEVA, FAR LEFT)
These are very exciting times for the country’s
wine industry. We have selected a number of
wineries that illustrate the different terroirdriven
offerings and use of native grape varieties
across Bulgaria.
BOROVITZA
If you are looking for an original Bulgarian wine,
look no further than this winery in the village of
Borovitza; its unique character borders on extravagance.
The winery was established by two of the
most capable and strong-willed Bulgarian winemakers,
Ognyan Tsvetanov and Adriana Srebrinova.
The major varieties grown are Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamza, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot. Its top-rated label is the
blended red, Dux – a truly inspiring wine.
50 SUMMER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE