Wine52 Explores the Wines of Bulgaria

By Master of Wine, Christopher Burr

26/02/2023

Wine 52's latest pack is from Bulgaria. Eastern Europe is seeing a phenomenal revival of its wine Industry since perestroika. Outside investment, and a genuine desire to revive its indigenous and historic grape varieties and use modern wine making techniques, plus a desire to make less wine and therefore of quality, rather than just bulk plonk.

We remember the days in the 1970's and 80's of the gutsy wine Bulls Blood, named after the blood they used to mixed with the wine, which clarified it, precipitating particles to the bottom of the vat. Pretty ordinary stuff, but then, there was a lot of ordinary wine around!

I was, I have to admit, very pleasantly surprised by the sample box of three wines from Wine52, that Wine52 sent.

" Eastern Europe is seeing a phenomenal revival of its wine Industry since perestroika"

The white was called Revival, from Domaine Boyer. Made from the Traminer grape, a grape found mainly in Northern Italy, Alsace and Austria. It is a pleasantly aromatic wine, with good floral and ripe peach and apricot flavours, very typical, with a touch of residual sweetness.

I mention the sweetness, because a touch of sugar counters the "heat" in spicy food, so a great accompaniment to Thai cooking, curries and mildly spicy Asian food. it is also good on its own as an aperitif.

The first of the two reds also came from Boyer, called Wisdom, and made primarily from the local and important grape, Mavrud. This is a very juicy fruity red, and I can see why they have also blended it with the brighter varietal Cabernet Franc, to give the wine freshness and balance. A good wine for barbecues and meaty stews.

The second red comes from Villa Melnik Cellars and is called Zeley. From a blend of French varietals - merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, this is like a ripe juicy French wine, with lots of dark fruit, spice and herbal characters. Another crowd pleasing, well-made wine, good with most meat dishes.

A good selection, and representation of what Bulgaria is doing.