Bulgarian wine

Bordered by mountains, the Black Sea and Greece, Bulgaria's Thracian Valley is considered by many historians to be one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. Archaeological evidence traces grape cultivation here back roughly 7,000 years to the Thracians. The lowlands have a mild climate, rolling hills and a maritime influence - a near-perfect environment to grow grapes.

As a wine country, Bulgaria is geographically divided into five wine-producing regions, each with its own character. The northern Danube Plain has a temperate continental climate with hot summers and many sunny days. The southern Thracian Valley, sheltered from harsh north winds, produces full-bodied reds that have become Bulgaria's calling card abroad.

Most of Bulgaria's red varieties are concentrated in the south: Mavrud, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Misket, Pamid and others. Wines made from the local Mavrud variety are particularly prized for their balance of red-fruit aromas, spice and herbal notes - distinctly Bulgarian, and worth seeking out at the source.