Bulgaria produces 200 million litres of wine and 50 000 litres of Rakia each year. Its main export markets are Russia (who consumed 81 million litres of Bulgarian wine in 2007), Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and the Scandinavian Countries. 35 million litres of Bulgarian wine were exported to the European Union in 2007. 95% of Bulgarian wine is sold in bottles.

Geography and demography:

Geographical position:

Bulgaria is situated in the Balkan Peninsula, in the South East of Europe. To the north, the Danube provides a natural border with Romania. To the south, there is Greece, to the west, Serbia and Macedonia, and to the east, the North Sea. Situated on the 42nd parallel, Bulgaria has the same latitude as the winemaking regions of Southern France, Spain and Tuscany. It is ideal land for cultivating vines.


Area:
110 911 km² (a fifth of the area of France).

Relief :
Bulgaria has a very diverse relief. The country is divided into bands of mountains and East and West facing plains. The Danube Plateau runs from north to south and is a fertile area that contains the highest parts of land in the country, the Balkans Mountains, the Central Thrace Plain and Rhodopes mountains. To the east of the country, near the Black Sea, it is very hilly. In the west of the country, we find the Rila Massif with the highest summit in the Balkans, Mount Musala (2925 metres) and the Pirin Mountain (the second highest in Bulgaria).

The average altitude in Bulgaria is 470 metres. More than two thirds of the country is situated at an altitude of less than 600 metres. The plains (altitude of less than 200 metres) represent 31% of the country’s surface area, the plateaus (200 to 600 metres) represent 41%, mountains between 600 and 1000 metres high represent 10%, average sized mountains (1000 to 1500 metres) represent 10% and high mountains (more than 1500 metres) represent 3%.

Climate :
Even though it is a relatively small country, Bulgaria benefits from a very varied climate. The country has a very large continental temperate climate zone and a Mediterranean climate zone. In winter, the continental influence causes large snowfalls, and in summer, the Mediterranean influence produces hot, sunny and dry weather.

The Balkan Mountains provide a natural barrier from the northern and southern influences. This results in lower temperatures (less than 1°C) and heavier rain (more than 192 mm per year) in the north than in the south. The influence of the Black Sea is restricted to the coastal area, where the climate is temperate and more humid. However, in winter, this area is affected by violent winds.

The Rhodopes Mountains mark the northern limit of the Mediterranean climate zone. The zone in between, which includes the Thrace plain, is under the influence of both climatic systems. The valleys allow the air to circulate, creating major climatic contrasts between relatively close areas. The south facing valleys along the border with Greece and Turkey benefit from a mild climate, similar to that of the zones along the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Average rainfall is around 630mm per year.


Natural resources:
Situated at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria has three main bio geographical regions: the continental European forest, the Eurasian steppe and the Mediterranean part. This means that the country is very rich in terms of biodiversity, with 3500 different species of plants (270 of which are endemic) and 29000 different species of animals. There are 150 protected reserves, which are equivalent to 5% of the county’s surface.

Agricultural resources:
Bulgaria’s main resources come from agriculture. The country has a diverse range of soils, which are often rich, deep and fertile. The unique and numerous combinations of climatic and geographical factors are reflected in the grape varieties and the quality of wine that can be obtained from them.


Land use:
Forest: 34 %.
Cultivated land: 45 %.
Land cultivated with annual plants: 39 %.
Land cultivated with perennial plants (vines): 2 %.
Unexploited land: 14 %.

Administrative divisions:
Bulgaria has 9 provinces and 23 administrative regions that are managed by a governor and a regional council.
According to the European Union Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics, these administrative regions cover six statistical regions of Bulgaria.


Capital : Sofia (1.2 million inhabitants)
Main cities:
Plovdiv (370 000 inhab.), Varna (300 000 inhab.), Bourgas (220 000 inhab.).

Shipping ports: Varna, Bourgas.

Time zone: GMT +1h.

Population (millions): 7.39 (Est. 2006)

Population Density: 69.6.

Life expectancy: 68.68 / 76.13 (Est. 2006).

Religions:
Orthodox (83,5 %), Muslim (13 %), Catholic (1,7 %), Jewish (0,8 %), Protestant and others (1 %).

Language: Bulgarian.


Politics

Regime: Bulgaria is a Parliamentary republic, member of the European Union since January 2007.
The Parliament (240 MP’s elected by proportional vote for 4 years) elects the Prime Minister and the Ministers. Head of State, President: Mr. Guéorgui Parvanov. The President of the Republic is elected directly by universal for 5 years and has limited powers.
Head of the Government, Primer Minister: MrSergueï Stanishev.

Economy

Bulgaria’s macroeconomic results are generally good, mainly due to stable politics and reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund that were put in place 10 years ago. The country is now close to meeting inflation, debt and budget deficit criteria outlined by the Maastricht Treaty.


Economic growth: 5.5 % in 2007.
The economy has been quite strong for several years. The average growth between 2000 and 2006 was 5.6%.
Growth in 2008 is expected to be 5.0%.

GDP: 338 .7 billion USD (2006)

Inflation rate: 6.5 (2006), the same as in 2005.

Unemployment rate: 9,1 (2006), 10,7% in 2005.

GDP per head (equal to buying power)($): 9 600 (2005).
Income per head: 3 990 USD (2006).

Currency: Lev (1 lev = 0.51 euros).
On 1st July 2007, the country adopted a Currency Board system installed by the IMF and the World Bank, linking the Lev to the Deutschmark (and therefore to the euro) by a fixed exchange rate.

Direct foreign investment: 3.3 billion euros (end of November 2006).

Imports: 18.4 billion euros (2006)

Exports: 12 billion euros (2006), an increase of 26.6% in a year.

Main importers: Germany 14.7%, Russian Federation 9.9%, Italy 9.9%, Turkey 6.8%, Greece 6.4%, France 4% (2005).

Main clients: Italy 13%, Germany 11%, Turkey 10.1%, Greece 6.1%, Belgium 5.6%, France 4.2%, USA 4.1% (2005)

Bulgaria is presumed to be the oldest wine producer. Archaeological studies have provided evidence that wine was produced in the country between 6000 and 3000 B.C. A thousand years before the Romans, the Thracians planted the first vines on the northern and southern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. They introduced wine producing techniques and worshipped Dionysus, the god of wine, by eating, drinking and celebrating. They also developed special tools for cultivating vines and for wine production. The Greek tribes arrived on the Black Sea around 500 B.C. and brought with them their experience in wine production. The local wine thus acquired a much better taste.

In 2005, Bulgarian historians discovered a new grape variety, which until now was completely unknown. The vine was discovered close to the Orpheus temple, situated in the south of Bulgaria. Experts have not been able to explain how this 3000-year-old plant can grow and survive near the temple, given that there are no vines in that region. Historians believe that this vine produced the grapes for the red wine drank by the ancient Thracians and named this unique grape variety ‘Tears of Orpheus’. After the uniting of the Proto-Bulgarians and the Slavs, the country of Bulgaria was founded in 631, in the northeast part of the Balkan Peninsula. At that time, Europe only had three states, the Western Roman Empire (Rome), the Oriental Roman Empire (Byzance) and Bulgaria! The Bulgarians inherited the wine making experience and traditions that had been gained over the years.


The Khan Krum (804 - 814) led a very strict Government in order to bring together the Slavs and the Bulgarians in one centralised state. He introduced the first known Bulgarian legal code, which could be the first example of state-led social policy in history, because it assured state protection to all poor people and all Bulgarians. Excess drinking, libel and theft were severely punished. The Khan Krum even went as far as to ban alcohol (this was the first anti-alcohol measure in the whole world) and he ordered that the vines be cut down. Legend has it that this measure was revoked after a soldier, who became famous for his strength and extraordinary courage, admitted to the King that he still drank wine. In the Middle Ages, wine making tradition was perpetuated by Christianity (adopted in Bulgaria in 865), given that wine formed an important part of the official rites. The monasteries owned most of the vines, and it was here that work began on improving wine quality and conservation, starting by storing it in cellars. In 1393, the Bulgarian Empire was conquered by the Turks. They did, however, allow the Bulgarians to cultivate their vines for five centuries under their rule. After the Bulgarian Empire was liberated by the Ottoman oppression (1878), wine production increased. Agricultural universities introduced courses in oenology and the first technical wine making centres were formed; Souhindol, Sliven, Lovetch, Stara Zagora, Pleven, Tchirpan and Melnik. During international exhibitions at the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, Bulgaria displayed two products, essential rose oils and wine.

Laws concerning wine were some of the first to be voted in, even before the Constitution was adopted. Bulgarian vines rapidly increased in number, mainly local grapes, and occupied an area of 130000 hectares. This area decreased significantly after an outbreak of phylloxera and consequently, in 1919, the country only possessed 45000 hectares of vines. The introduction of international grape varieties and new wine making techniques, as well as the creation of hybrid grape varieties in the 1930’s brought new life to wine production. As a result, vines once again occupied 130000 hectares of land.

Until the 1940’s, vines were only cultivated in small vineyards and indigenous grape varieties were the main crop. Bulgaria, thanks to its relatively hot climate and its rich geography, continues to produce quality wines, despite the difficulties brought about by the nationalisation of land in 1945. In order to meet the demands of the enormous Soviet market (Bulgaria exports 5 million hectolitres a year to the ex USSR), production is mostly concerned with quantity. Bulgaria became a sizeable wine producer under communist rule, and in 1978 the country was the fourth largest wine producer in the world, and the second largest exporter after France.


Due to a need for wine to be exported to the West, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot became very successful. These grape varieties were successful overseas due to their excellent price-quality relationship. It is for this reason that they have received great attention from consumers and journalists in Western countries, notably in Northern Europe (Germany, Netherlands and Scandinavia).

After the fall of Communism in 1989, wine exports dramatically decreased in quality and went from a value of 140 million euros in 1998 to 64 million euros in 2004. Bulgaria now only exports 902 789 hl (2004) of wine a year, mainly to Great Britain, Germany and Russia. At the same time, the surface area planted with vines decreased by more than half over a period of fifteen years. Bulgaria then imported plants from France and Italy in order to replenish the vines, a third of these vines (32%) were more than 30 years old.

On the other hand, Bulgaria also gained new clients, such as Great Britain, which allowed for diversification. Privatisation in the 1990’s allowed Bulgarian wine producers to continue to improve quality and to invest in new materials, thereby allowing them to reform the wine making process and to make clear its ambitions to tackle the European market. As a result, Bulgarian wines have significantly increased in quality over the last ten years, to the point that some experts are predicting that wines from New Europe will, in the future, be able to compete with New World wines. Bulgaria has now started to replant indigenous grape varieties, such as Mavrud and Gamza, which are strongly linked to tradition.

Indigenous Bulgarian grapes.

Pamid and Gamza are the most frequently planted traditional Bulgarian grapes. Parmid is a black grape that produces fruity and light wine. Gamza produces tannic, full-bodied wine, which ages well. Mavrud is a black grape that gives dark coloured, rich and spiced wine, with prune flavours. Chikora melnishka loza is a vine with large leaves that is only found in the Melnik region, where the climate is similar to that of the French Côtes de Rhone region. Wine produced from this grape variety is colourful, has strong tannins and benefits greatly from a period of storage in barrels. Rubin is a recently developed grape, which was obtained by crossing Syrah and Nebbiolo (black Italian grape similar to Pinot Noir).

The indigenous white grapes are Dimyat that produces vanilla scented grapes, red Misket that produces pleasant, light, high quality wine, and Vratchanski misket, which gives wine with strong and long lasting flavours.

White wine grapes

Dimiat
This is a late blooming white grape that is found in many areas of Bulgaria. The largest plantations are found along the Black Sea and in areas around the towns of Preslay, Sumen and Tchirpan. The grape has a pleasant vanilla aroma. Dimiat grapes are mainly used to make table wine and products used for the production of brandy.

Misket rouge
Misket red is considered to be a traditional Bulgarian grape with much potential. It is found all over the country, but mainly in the valley of Sungularé and around Karlovo, Stara Zagora, Sliven, Yambol and Vratza. This grape grows best on light soils and is more resistant to the cold than any other indigenous Bulgarian grape. It matures very late and develops 18-21% sugar, and 5.4-6.0g/dm3of acids. It produces high quality, dry white wine, with a pale straw colour, fruity flavour and delicate, Muscat like, aromas. When mixed with Dimiat or Italian Riesling, this grape produces the famous white Evksinovgrad wine.

Vratchanski Misket and Musket de Vratza
This grape is mainly found around the town of Vratza, where its name comes from. This white grape matures very early and is known locally by the name of Tvarda Tamianka. Wine made from this grape has a distinct, Muscat like aroma.

Red wine grapes

Gamza
This very old grape variety is cultivated in parts of Central, North, and Northeast Bulgaria and is used mainly to produce red wine. In Hungary, Slovakia, France, ex-Yugoslavia, Romania, Austria and Turkey, it is known by the name of Kadarka. Gamza is a relatively late grape; it is harvested at the end of September. It grows best on hills with light soils. The grape is average in size and has large, spherical berries, with bluish skin. The main problem with this grape variety is the thin skin and fragility of the fruit. The skin cracks in humid autumn weather and suffers greatly from grey rot, which decreases the size and quality of the harvest. This grape is also has very little resistance against cold winters. In years with hot and dry autumns, Gamza grapes produce light ruby coloured wine, with strong tannins and aromas of red berries, mainly raspberries.

Mavrud
This is a very old, traditional grape variety that is only grown in Bulgaria. It is found in the south of the country, mainly near Plovdiv and Asenovgrad, and in slightly smaller quantities, around Stara Zagora, Tchirpan and Pazardilk. It is a late grape, which, in Plovdiv, does not become ripe until the beginning of October. It grows best in alluvial soils, in hot areas where there is no risk of low temperatures in winter. It is relatively resistant to grey rot and produces an average harvest. The concentration of sugar in the grapes varies from 17-23%, with acidity of 6.1 to 10.7 g/dm3.
Mavrud is one of the most popular grapes for making red wine in Bulgaria. It produces rich wine, with a dark ruby colour, a good amount of tannins and acidity, and pleasant aromas of fruits of the forest and spices.


Pamid
The Thracians once grew Pamid grapes in Bulgaria, and in the past it was the most frequently planted grape in the country. However, it currently occupies a much smaller area of land. This grape is also planted in ex-Yugoslavia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Hungary and Romania. It has an average resistance to low winter temperatures; it is also relatively resistant to dryness and does not need a specific type of soil. However, the best grapes are obtained from vines grown on hillsides with light soils. The grapes are harvested in the middle of September and are very popular as table grapes. The grapes reach sugar levels of 18-24% and have low acid levels (4-5g/dm3). This grape produces clear red coloured wine that should be consumed very young.


Chiroka Melnishka Loza
It is believed that this grape is one of the oldest in the world, having been brought into the country from Asia Minor by the Thracians during the second millennium B.C. The name
Chiroka Melnishka Loza means ‘Melnik vine with large leaves’. This grape variety is only found in Bulgaria and is planted only in the Melnik region, from where it gets its name. This is a relatively late grape that only grows well in a Mediterranean climate, with early springs, hot summers, long, hot, dry autumns, and mild winters. Harvest usually begins during the first half of October. This grape is quite resistant to grey rot, but cannot survive frost. The grapes have high sugar levels (20-24%) and acid levels of 6-8g/dm3. Young wine produced from this grape is full-bodied with an intense cherry aroma. Older wine has a rich and complex aroma, with hints of tobacco and leather.


Other grape varieties

Breakdown of red grape plantations in Bulgarian vineyards (31/12/2006)

Breakdown of white grape plantations in Bulgarian vineyards (31/12/2006)

Wine production regions

European wine region classification.

According to the European Union classification system, Bulgaria is divided into two wine production regions:

CII (the North region, the East region, the area bordering the Black Sea and the Central Balkan region).

CIIIa (the South and Southwest regions).

There are five main wine regions in Bulgaria (not to be confused with the six statistical regions as defined by the European Union Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics). The regions have very diverse climates, geological features and soil types. This diversity allows the country to produce wine that covers a wide spectrum of quality, price and sensory characteristics. Wine produced by traditional methods includes dry or medium dry wine, sweet wine and supple and powerful reds.


The North region

This region has a continental temperate climate with high levels of sunshine and hot summers. Dry white wine, sparkling wine (made using classic methods), and high quality, fresh and fruity red wine are all produced here. The region is divided into three parts:

· Central: This is the Danube plain area. Grape varieties found here are: Aligoté, Rkatziteli, Muscat Ottonel, Dimyat, Gamza, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
·
The South coast of the Danube: The grape varieties found here are; Rkatziteli, Muscat Ottonel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Senzo.

· Northwest: This is the area west of the Danube plain. The grape varieties found here are Rkatziteli, Gamza, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vratchanski misket, Tamyanka, Senzo and Merlot.

The East region and the area bordering the Black Sea

Thirty percent of Bulgaria’s vineyards are found here. This region is characterised by hot autumns, which allow the grapes to reach high enough sugar levels for medium dry and sweet wines to be produced. Around 53% of white grape varieties are found here. The area is divided into three sub-regions:

· The Northern Coast: This region is where the famous Evksinograd wines are produced. Rkatziteli, Tamyanka, Dimyat, Riesling, Chardonnay and Ugni blanc grape varieties are also grown here.

· The Central Coast: This area is situated at a higher altitude than the others. Dry, medium dry and sweet white wine is produced here. The grape varieties used are; Rkatziteli, Dimyat, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Aligoté, Traminer and Sylvaner.

· The Southern coast: Dimyat, Misket rouge, Tamyanka, Ugni blanc, Riesling, Pamid, Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot are grown to produce dry and medium dry white, and also red wine.


The Central Balkan region

This area is at the south of the Stara Planina Mountain (the Balkan). The main wines produced here are dry and medium dry whites. A relatively small amount of red wine is also produced.

This area is divided into two sub-regions:

· East: This includes the Sungulare Valley, where the main grape variety is Misket rouge (Misket Sungulare), which produces exceptional white wine.
· West: This is where the famous Valley of roses is found (80% of all rose essence comes from here). The main grape variety is Misket Karlovo, which is only found in this region and produces excellent wine. Riesling, Rkatziteli, Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot are also grown in this region. The wine produced has a fruity aroma and a fresh, harmonious taste.

The Southern region.

35% of Bulgarian vineyards are found in this region, which has a moderate continental climate and good rainfall during the vegetative period. Most red grape varieties are found here because the area is protected from the cold northern winds, which favours the production of rich red wine.

The Southern region, which occupies the central part of the Thrace plain as well as part of the Sakar Mountain, can be divided into three sections:

· East: where Cabernet sauvignon, Misket rouge, Muscat Ottonel, Rkatziteli and Merlot grapes are grown.

· Central: where Aligoté, Misket rouge, Muscat Ottonel, Rkatziteli, Mavrud, Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot are grown. These grape varieties are important for the industrial production of excellent dry white and red wine.


· West: where Pamid, Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot grapes are grown to produce high quality red wine.

The Southwest region.

This is not a very large region, but it has certain climatic characteristics that are similar to Mediterranean regions. The local grape variety, Shiroka Melnishka Loza, is grown along the Strouma Valley. Pamid, Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot grapes are also grown in this region, producing red wine with ‘southern’ characteristics.

The diversity of the climate and land allows many international grape varieties to be grown. The main high quality red grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which constitute a third of all red wine grapes grown in Bulgaria. Bulgaria has 18000 hectares of Cabernet sauvignon grapes, more than in Gironde! Pinot Noir is also found, but in much smaller quantities.
In terms of white wine grapes, Chardonnay is the most frequently planted. For the last five years, Bulgarian Chardonnays have been awarded medals at the world Chardonnay contest. Rkatziteli, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Aligoté are also found in Bulgaria.

The percentage of land used for red wine grapes increased from 56% in 2002 to 62.7% in 2005. There has been a reduction in land used for white wine grapes, from 44% in 2002 to 32.2% in 2005. In 2006, red wine grapes occupied 58% of the land, and white wine grapes occupied 42%.

International white wine grape varieties

Aligoté
This grape originates from Burgundy and is also found in Romania, Hungary and Georgia (known there as Mahranouli). In Bulgaria, it is grown in Razgrad, Sumen, Bourgas and Varna. It is a relatively early grape, which reaches maturity in the first half of September. It is a very fertile grape that produces a large harvest. It is resistant to low winter temperatures but not to dryness. It grows best in light, but deep, soils and on cool and windy hillsides. This grape variety produces fresh and pleasant wine, which does not, however, have a strong character and is susceptible to oxidation. It is mainly used for blending to produce quality white wine. In the past, this grape was used to make large quantities of sweet wine in Bulgaria.

Chardonnay
Chardonnay is an early grape, which reaches full ripeness between the end of August and the beginning of September when grown in the hot regions of Bulgaria (Plovdiv). However, when grown in the Northeast of the country, this grape does not reach full ripeness until the middle of September. It is a fertile grape, but does not produce very large harvests. During humid autumns, the grapes are often spoiled by powdery mildew and grey rot. The wine produced by this grape variety is of excellent quality and has an intense aroma, which is dominated by tropical fruits. The wine ages very well in contact with oak. Bulgarian Chardonnays are well revered around the world.


Muscat Ottonel
The origin of this grape is not very clear. It was developed from grape seeds, of unknown patronage. In Algeria and Romania, it is considered to be an indigenous grape. It is often grown in central Europe; for example, Bulgaria has 4500 hectares of this grape, whereas France has only 158 hectares. This grape variety is found in many parts of Bulgaria and produces small, yellow-green coloured fruit, which produces superb, aromatic wine.


Riesling

This is one of the oldest European grape varieties, which originates from Germany. It is found in most wine producing countries, but mostly in northern regions. The grapes are usually ripe during the first half of September, and produce a harvest of around 8000 – 10000kg/ha. Riesling grows best in light soils and is resistant to low temperatures but not dry periods. It is also susceptible to fungal infections and grey rot. Wine produced from this grape is delicate and has an intense aroma of herbs and fruit. In Bulgaria, Riesling is grown on limited surfaces in northeastern regions.

Italian Riesling
The biggest plantations of Italian Riesling are found around Lake Balton in Hungary. In Bulgaria, it was first planted in Eyksinovgrad, and then later in Varna and Schumen. In the northeast regions, the grapes reach full ripeness during the second half of September and are susceptible to grey rot and mildew. This grape variety grows well in light soils and in cool regions with low humidity. Italian Riesling produces high quality, dry white wine.

Rkatziteli
This grape variety originates from Georgia, where it is still grown today. In Bulgaria, this grape variety became more widespread after 1970, due to its high fertility and good resistance. It is a late grape, reaching full ripeness in the second half of September in the hot regions, and at the beginning of October in the cold regions. The grapes are large, oval shaped, and golden in colour, with brown patches. This grape variety produces dry white wine that has little character and does not age well. It is also used in the production of sparkling wine.

Sauvignon Blanc

This French grape variety is grown in the areas around the Bulgarian towns of Bourgas, Razgrad, Targovichte and Roussé. The Sauvignon blanc grapes reach full maturity in the middle of September and are fairly resistant to winter frosts. These grapes produce exquisite dry white wine, which has aromas of herbs, tropical fruits and raisins. These wines are normally consumed when young.


Tamyanka
This is the Bulgarian name for the white Muscat grape, which has been grown in Bulgaria for a many years. This grape variety is normally found in areas near the Black Sea. It is harvested in mid September and is not very resistant to winter frosts, which is why it is usually grown on sun drenched hillsides in regions where the temperature never drops below 15 – 16°C.

Traminer

The Traminer grape originates from Austria and is found in the northeast of Bulgaria. It is very fertile and reaches full maturity during the first half of September. The grapes are small and have pink skin. The Traminer grape is susceptible to rot. It is resistant to low winter temperatures, but not to dryness.
In Bulgaria, the best wines are produced in the Northeast. They are dry white wines, which are very aromatic (dominated by rose and spiced notes) and have a fresh and harmonious taste.

Ugni blanc

This grape variety originates from Italy. In Bulgaria, it is grown in regions near the Black Sea, mainly around the towns of Bourgas and Pomorie, where it is used to produce calvados and dry white wine.
The Ugni grape does not become fully ripe until the beginning of October. It needs light, deep and moist soils, because it does not grow well in dry and very cold conditions. It produces fresh and light wine, which is best consumed young.


International red wine grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the second most cultivated red wine grape in Bulgaria. The areas in which it is grown are very similar to those in the French region of Gironde. It is very fertile and resistant to rot. The wine produced by this grape variety has aromas of red berries, blackcurrant and blackberry, and have an intense red colour. After being matured in casks, the wine develops a rich and complex aroma, containing notes of spices and smoked oak barrels. Older wines also have aromas of chocolate and cinnamon. These wines are best consumed after 3 – 5 years.


Merlot
This grape variety, which also originated in France, is found in all Bulgarian wine producing regions. The grapes reach full maturity in September, around ten days before Cabernet sauvignon grapes. Merlot is more resistant to the cold than Cabernet sauvignon. Young Merlot wines have aromas of cherries and prunes and in certain regions they develop floral flavours. These wines mature well in casks and have strong aromas of smoked wood and fruits.


Pinot Noir

This grape variety is not very widely planted in Bulgaria, and is found mainly in the region around the town of Silven. The vines are very fertile, and also resistant to grey rot and fairly resistant to low winter temperatures. The wine produced by this grape variety has an intense ruby colour, with cherry, blackberry and raspberry flavours and will surprise you with their finesse. After a period of maturation in oak barrels, the wine develops a rich and complex aroma.

Official figures on wine consumption are underestimated, given that a large percentage of wine is produced in small, family owned, holdings and is consumed directly. The increase in consumption levels is strongly linked to the increase in the amount of mass produced wine.

Individual wine consumption (1997 – 2004)

Around 44% of Bulgarian people say that they would be willing to pay more for a high quality bottle of wine. However, the sale of high quality wine is still mainly restricted to foreign residents (estimated to be 3-5% of the population) and well-off Bulgarians.

According to the National Statistics Institute, Bulgarians consume, on average, 12 litres of beer, 7.5 litres of wine and 2.9 litres of spirits per person per year (2005 statistics). However, these statistics to do include home produced wines or spirits. The national spirit, Rakia, is a distilled beverage made from fruits (grapes, prunes, apricots) and contains around 40% alcohol. There are no figures regarding home production of rakia, but according to experts, around 50% of rakia consumed in Bulgaria is produced in small distilleries (a production unit where people make rakia for their own consumption). Since January 1st 2007, excise laws have been imposed on the production of Rakia at small distilleries. As a result, the first 30 litres are taxed up to 550 BGN per hectolitre of pure alcohol. Beyond this limit, the tax rises to 1100 BGN per hectolitre of pure alcohol.

After Rakia (6 million cases of 9 litres, excluding home production), vodka is the second most frequently consumed spirit in Bulgaria. According to importers, the national consumption of vodka has increased to 2 million cases, 150 000 of which are imported.

Production

The Bulgarian wine industry is progressing well, with rising exports and new investment in the sector.


The producers.

One of the strong points of the Bulgarian wine market is the large number of wine producers who share the land. There are currently 73000 farmers who own vineyards.
The number of registered industrial wine producers rose to 255 in 2006. 174 of these have an important position in the market. These cellars produced 171 million litres of wine in 2006 (11% increase compared to 2005). Of this wine, 11.2 million litres were high quality wines (20% increase compared to 2005).


Vine plantations

Information concerning the production of wine is presented based on the 6 statistical regions of Bulgaria. In 2006, the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture estimated that grapes used wine production covered between 135 and 600 hectares of land.

More than a quarter of vineyards are not currently used for wine production. 32118 hectares were out of production in 2005, and this figure increased in 2006. Young vines (those that are not yet ready to be used for production) occupy 3802 hectares.

The figures concerning the exploitation of vineyards do not include very small estates.

The decreasing trend of harvested land is continuing. Of all vineyards currently in production, around 68000 hectares was harvested in 2006. This figure represents a 15% decrease when compared to 2005.

Only the Eastern regions are planted with mostly white grapes.


Before Bulgaria joined the EU on 1st of January 2007, negotiations concerning agriculture established an agreement of a quota of 153000 hectares of vines. This was considered to be a great success by professionals in the wine sector. The country benefited from investment of 34 million euros for 55 projects covered by the SAPARD scheme (an EU initiative to support sustainable agriculture in countries which are looking to join the EU), as well as 42 million euros for 165 national projects. The majority of projects concerned the production of wine and the plantation of new vines.

Now that Bulgaria has joined the EU, the new plantations are restricted to an annual growth rate of 4 to 5%. These restrictions apply until 2010.
It is estimated that 1636 million euros of investment will be required for the sector between now and 2025.

The process of putting old vines back into production and planting new vines also continues. However, the surface area occupied by new vines, those that have been planted in the last two years, remains negligible. Only 3422 hectares were planted under the SAPARD programme, and 3800 under the national programmes, giving 7200 hectares in total.
Around 95% of Bulgarian vineyards currently in production were planted between 1953 and 1970, many with uncertified and unregulated vine plants. The majority of vines are now more than twenty years old. 32% of vines in 2006 were more than 30 years old. These vines need to be quickly cut down and replanted. Only 3% of new plantations are fully matured.

Between 2001 and 2005, 2700 hectares of new plantations were created under the SAPARD scheme, at a cost of 27 million euros. However, subsequent tending of new plantations remains insufficient and Bulgaria is always penalised by a poor first harvest.

Under the support financial support programme offered to wine producing countries by the European Commission, Bulgaria should receive 18 million euros for the restructuring and transformation of its vineyards in order to be able to compete with the New World countries.

According to the national strategy for the development of wine production and marketing, the plantations should grow up to 10% each year after 2010. It is also predicted that between 2007 and 2025, 4000 hectares of vines will be cut down, and 4000 hectares will be replanted. The estimated cost of these operations is 80 million euros a year. The potential production in Bulgaria (calculated from the area of land occupied by vines which are used for wine production, those which need to be replanted and those which need to be replaced) was estimated at 155800 hectares on 31.12.2006.


Grape production.

According to statistics from the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture, 336 128 tonnes of grapes were harvested in 2006. Grapes to be used for wine production accounted for 307 173 tonnes. This figure represents an increase of 25% when compared to 2005 (226 183 tonnes in total, and 244 549 tonnes to be used for wine production). Not only was the harvest larger in 2006, it was also of better quality.
In 2006, 95.5% of grapes, 304 000 tonnes, were used for wine production, and 4.5% for direct consumption. The quantity of grapes used for industrial wine production was 255 668 tonnes, a 17% increase when compared to 2005.

63% of grapes harvested in 2006 were red grape varieties. The production of Merlot increased to 70 000 tonnes, equal to 23% of all grapes. Cabernet grapes made up 16% of the harvest, 49 000 tonnes. In terms of white grapes, the majority of the harvest, 33 000 tonnes was made up of Misket, followed by Bkatziteli (32 000 tonnes) and Muscat Ottonel (20 000 tonnes).
In 2006, the average grape production from vines intended for wine production was 4494kg/ha, a 47% rise when compared to 2005, when the average production was 3067kg/ha. Two regions, Central-Southern and Southwest, contributed 71% of the total harvest. There was great variation between the harvests in different regions; it fluctuated between 2617kg/ha in the Northwest and 6450kg/ha in the Southwest.

For red grapes, the average harvest was 4768kg/ha, and for white grapes, it was 3954kg/ha.
2007 was an exceptional year for the quantity and quality of the harvest, mainly due to record temperatures in summer (+45°C). The dry conditions and the sun had an excellent effect on the grapes, which did not suffer from fungal infections and became very rich in sugar (23-26%). In contrast to previous years, wine producers had no problem finding quality grapes.

Wine production.

Avelis Ltd.
1, Teodosii Tarnovski Str. Sofia, Lozenets, Bulgaria
Tel./fax: +359 2 866 12 80; +359 2 865 94 12
e-mail: avelis@mail.bg

Alvina Ltd. – Dobrich
Tel.:+359/58 /60 14 95; +359/52/60 91 85; fax:+359/58/60 15 09;
e-mail: vinprom@alvina-bg.com; office@alvina-bg.com
www.alvina-bg.com

Bessa Valley winery
9863 Han Krum, County Veliki Preslav
Tel./fax: +359/54/ 80 02 00
e-mail: hankrum@mail.bg

Sakar Winery JSC.
6550 Lyubimets, 2, Shar planina Str.
Tel.: +359/3751/75 01; +359/3751/85 49;
Fax: +359/3751/7144
e-mail: sakar@sakar.belvedere.bg
www.belvedere.bg

Vinzavod JSC – Assenovgrad
75, Bulgaria blvd., 4230 Asenovgrad, Bulgaria
Tel. +359/331/6 22 40, 6 21 44, 6 25 31, fax: +359/331/6 80 53,
e-mail: vinzavod@mavrud.com
www.mavrud.com

Vinex - Preslav JSC.
9850 Veliki Preslav, industrial zone, Shoumen county
Tel.: +359/538/21 27; +359/538/20 15, fax: +359/538/23 36,
e-mail: vinex@infotel.bg
www.vinex.bg

Vinex - Slaviantsi JSC.
8460 Slavyantzi, Bourgas county, Bulgaria
+359/5571/25 00; 23 48, 24 88;
fax: +359/5571/22 17; +359/559/2 21 31;
e-mail: office@vinexbg.com
www.vinexbg.com

Vinimpex Plc.
19"Lavele" Str. 1080 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel. +359/2/981 97 37, fax +359/2/981 12 99,
e-mail: vinimpex@vinimpex.bg
www.belvedere.bg

Vini JSC. – Sliven
51, Tzar Simeon Str., 8800 Sliven, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/44/ 66 76 66, +359/44/66 71 17, fax: +359/44/66 73 74
e-mail: office@vini.bg
www.vini.bg

Vinkom JSC.
8200 Pomorie, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/596/3 53 32; +359/596/3 23 02; 359/596/3 23 51;
fax: 359/596/3 21 60; 359/596/3 21 63;
e-mail: office@bsgold.bg office@festa.bg

Chernomorsko zlato JSC.
8200 Pomorie, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/596/3 53 32; +359/596/3 23 02; 359/596/3 23 51;
fax: 359/596/3 21 60; 359/596/3 21 63;
e-mail: office@bsgold.bg office@festa.bg

Vinsan Ltd.
41 Nikola Vaptsarov Str., 8200 Sandansky, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/746/2 21 71

Vinprom Byala 2002 PLC
1, Lyuben Karavelov Str., Byala, Rousse county, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/889 31 44 07;fax: +359/817/7 20 18
e-mail: vinprom_biala@abv.bg

Vinprom Gorna Dzhumaya Plc.
81 D. Solunski Str., Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/73/88 29 68; 88 29 65; fax: +359/73/88 29 67,
e-mail: g_djumaq@infonet.techno-link.com

Vinprom Ludogorie Ltd.
Industrial zone,7200 Razgrad, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/84/ 66 06 58, fax: +359/84/66 13 83,
e-mail: vinpromludogorie@mail.bg

Vinprom Peshtera SA
113 6th September blvd, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Tel.:+359/32/ 64 16 83,fax:+359/32/60 69 06;+35932/64 16 85,
e-mail: office@peshtera.com
www.peshtera.com

Vinprom Pleven Single person JSC.
7 Vit Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/64/ 83 15 88, fax: +359/64/ 82 00 91,
e-mail: vppoffice@el-soft.com

Vinprom Rousse Ltd.
44, 3 March Blvd., 7000 Rousse, Bulgaria,
Tel.: +359/82/ 88 42 50, fax: +359/82/ 82 82 89
e-mail: winery@vinpromrousse.com

Vinprom Svishtov JSC.
110, 33 Svishtovski polk, Str., 5250 Svishtov, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/631/6 04 70; +359/631/6 09 59;
fax: +359/631/6 02 62;
e-mail: office@svishtov_winery.com

Vinprom Yambol Single person JSC.
PO box 347,Industrial zone, 8600 Yambol, Bulgaria,
Tel. +359/46/66 16 15; fax: +359/46/ 66 16 08;
e-mail: k.avramov@abv.bg

Vintehprom JSC.
6 MilyovoivodaStr., 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/34/44 54 15; +359/34/44 63 73;
+359/34/44 50 72 Fax: +359/34/44 63 26
e-mail: vintehprom@yahoo.com

Vladimir distillers Company JSC.
22, Toutrakan Str., 7000 Silistra, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/86/82 25 52
e-mail: vladimirdist@yahoo.com

Djiro – trade Ltd.
3 TrakiyaStr., 4110 Parvenets, Plovdiv county, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/3111/22 11; +359/3111/27 29

Dimyat Varna JSC.
281 Vl. Varnenchik Blvd., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/52/50 11 42; +359/52/50 20 97;
+359/52/57 11 47; fax: +359/52/50 21 05
e-mail: dimyat@triada.bg

Dionisii PLC
PanayotHitovStr.,Industrialzone, 7800 Popovo,
Tel./fax: +359/0608/2 25 76

Domain Boyar JSC.
20-22, Zlaten rog Str., 7-th floor, 1407 Sofia,
Tel.: +359/2/969 79 80; fax: +359/2/969 79 81
e-mail: office@domaineboyar.com
www.domainboyar.com

Domain Menada Plc.
1, Hadji D. Asenov str, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359/42/60 41 91, fax: +359/42/62 92 69,
e-mail: domain.menada@belvedere.bg
www.belvedere.bg

In 2006, there was a slight decrease in wine exports, when compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the total price of wine exported increased.

Total value of wine exports (2004-2006)

In 2007, there was a slight rise in the quantity of wine exported, a rise of 37.6% during the first half of the year and 85% during the second quarter (when compared to the same period in 2006).

In 2006, Bulgaria’s main clients were Russia (73 million litres), and the EU (33.5 million litres).

Volume of wine exported to Bulgaria’s main clients in 2005-2006.

In 2006, Bulgaria held 27% of the Russian market. The percentage of all exported Bulgarian wine bought by Russia increased from 19% in 2004 to 64.46% in 2006. In 2007, Bulgaria became the main wine supplier in Russia, ahead of France and Spain, occupying 33% of the market. The price of all sales increased by 20% in 2007, when compared to 2006. It is likely that exports will increase by 50% over the next few years. During the last Moscow wine show, Bulgaria was represented by 5 wine producers, and won 9 medals. Russian investors are planning to build a bottling plant in Bulgaria.

In 2006, Bulgaria filled 27.2% of its EU export quota for bottled wines, 49.4% of its quota for bulk wine and 98.1% of its quota for sparkling wine. In response to the demand for government help by industrial wine producers, the Ministry of Agriculture promised (from 2008) 11.9 million euros for the promotion of Bulgarian products on the world market, including wine.

Export of Bulgarian bottled wine

During the last few years, exports of bottled wine have increased. In 2004, bottled wine exports increased by 18%, to 70 689 366, when compared to 2003. This increase was mainly due to the increase in exports to Poland and Russia. Exports to these two countries represented 58% of all bottled wine exported in 2004. Official statistics show that EU member states imported 51.7% of all Bulgarian wine exported, half of which was imported by Poland. The other main importers were the UK (6 675 385 l, Germany (4 741 799 l) and Sweden (2 358 370 l). The average price per litre of bottled wine was 0.95 USD, similar to the price in 2003.

According to Bulgarian customs, 50 346 435 litres of bottled wine was exported between January 2005 and the end of July 2005, 26% more than during the same period in 2004. During this period, 60% of exports were destined for Russia. This amount was equal to the total amount of exports in 2004.

In March 2006, the Russian health and safety authority banned wine imports from Moldova and Georgia. At this time, Moldavian wines accounted for 50% of all foreign wines sold in Russia, and it was for this reason that Russia increased business with Bulgaria. As a result, imports from Bulgaria increased by 76%.

Export of bottled wine 2003 – 2007 (litres)

Export of bulk wine

Following the same trend as bottled wine, sales of bulk wine have also increased over the last few years. However, figures for 2006 were lower than those for 2005. In 2004, 19 300 136 litres of bulk wine was exported, 20% more than the previous year. The average export price was 0.64 USD/L, identical to that of 2003. Bulgaria’s main clients for bulk wine were Russia (45%) and Germany. For the first seven months of 2005, exports increased by 18% when compared with the same period in 2004. This was again linked to the increase in sales to Russia (69% higher than the previous year).

Export of bulk wine 2003 – 2005 (litres)

Export of sparkling wine.

In 2006, wine imports increased by a record 230% in volume (12.5 million litres, compared to 5.4 million in 2005) and 102% in value (9.9 million USD, compared to 4.2 million). The increase was mainly due to an increase in sales and prices of bottled wine.

In 2007, wine imports continued to increase. 0.6% more wine was imported in the first half of 2007 than in the whole of 2006.

In Bulgaria, wine is not as widely available as it is in other European countries. During communist rule, the sale of alcoholic beverages was limited to state owned shops. The state controlled prices, and choice was limited. Since the beginning of the 1990’s, the opening of the market made it possible to develop the distribution of alcohol and to increase choice. The biggest change in the market was signified by the arrival of foreign products, the investment in which, since 1999, has been without precedent.

The following market trends can be identified:
- The domestic wine market is growing (from 47 million litres, 111 million euros in 2005, to 114 million euros in 2006. The estimated volume of sales for 2007 was 50 million litres.

- Retail of wine has diversified: local wines are currently available in hypermarkets, wholesale stores, supermarkets, specialist shops, bars, and specialist restaurants.
- Faced with rivalry from imported wines, which have significantly increased in quality, local wine producers who produce a large volume of wines with an average price/quality relationship (average price between 1.5 and 5 euros per bottle) have started to produce high quality wines in small quantities. This change is linked to the fact that the high quality wine sector is currently the most dynamic. However, it still only occupies a limited part, 10%, of the market.
We can also identify a growing effort by the industrial wine sector to find its own, unique new niche in the European and global markets. For this reason, new producers prefer to invest in local grape varieties, which do not grow in any other area, for example, Gamza, Rubin, Mavrud and Melnik (Chiroka Melnichka Loza).

The existence of small private operators who can be flexible and can produce high quality wine for specific niches in the market shows that this is the most appropriate model for developing industry in the short term.

The retail market is still not very diverse but it is slowly being restructured. Wine is now sold in grocery stores. 44% of the population buy wine in retail outlets. Wholesalers supply restaurants and retailers.
Top of the range wines are sold mainly in expensive restaurants in big towns, in tourist complexes around the Black Sea and in ski resorts.

Examples:
Montana Sauvignon blanc 2006, Montana Wines, New Zealand 14,50 leva (7.25€).
Riesling Tiefenthal 2006, Buchegger, Austria 34,42 leva (17.21€).
Gruener Veltliner Pfarrweingarten 2005, „Buchegger”, Austria 38,00 leva (19€).
Riesling Moosburgerin 2005, Buchegger, Austria 42,36 leva (21.18€)
Gruener Veltliner Gebling 2006, Buchegger, Austria 24,40 leva (12.20€).
Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay 2006, Australia 15,50 leva (7.75€).
Montana Unoaked Chardonnay 2005, Montana Wines, New Zealand 15,50 (7.75€).

In the biggest towns, there are specialist shops that sell only wines and spirits. The biggest choice of wines is found in large and medium sized retail outlets, although there are currently few of these in Bulgaria. Hypermarkets are concentrated in several large cities like Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna. Consumers are progressively tending to prefer hyper and supermarkets for their shopping. There are currently three foreign companies operating on the Bulgarian market: Metro Cash and Carry, Billa (specialist in mass retail) and Ramstore (the brand name for the Turkish chain Migros). Other large retail outlets occupy less powerful positions.

The increase in foreign investment over the last few years shows the potential of the retail sector. Carrefour has announced that it will invest 81.6 million euros, over a three-year period, in a new shopping centre in Sofia. It is the first time that Carrefour has worked in Bulgaria. The project should be finished by the end of 2008 and will see a new hypermarket and shopping centre built, which will create 2280 new jobs. 33.9 million euro was invested in the project in 2006. Furthermore, foreign and local companies that already sell in Bulgaria are looking to increase their presence in the country in order to conquer parts of the market before it is too late. For example, the biggest retail operator in the Baltic countries, VPMarket, has announced the opening of a tenth store in Bulgaria, where the chain has been present since June 2005. The chain, which was created in Lithuania in 1992, recorded a profit of 1.08 billion euros in the first nine months of 2005, an increase of 23%. The profit was gained from 330 stores in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania. The development of the retail sector was facilitated by a policy, put in place by Bulgarian authorities. The policy aims to encourage investment in the sector with the creation of a service, forming part of the Ministry of Economy, to coordinate administrative procedures.

The wine and spirits law, published in the Official Journal N°86/01.10.1999 (in force since 01.01.2000) contained the following ordinances:

1. Conditions of high quality Bulgarian wine
2. Rules of wine classification
3. Classification of vines by type
4. Wine production practices
5. Registration conditions and granting of licences
6. Sale of products

The ordinances adopted later were:

1. Production of regional wines
2. Rules of production
3. Variety of wines and spirits
4. Transportation documents
5. Control of the wine production network
According to this law, Bulgarian wines are grouped into the following categories:

- Table wine
Table wines are produced using authorised or registered grape varieties. They must have a natural alcohol level of 7.5% minimum and an added alcohol level of 9% minimum and a total alcohol level of 20% maximum. They must also have a minimum acid level of 4.5g/L.
Regional wines are table wines, for which the use of the geographical origin is authorised, providing that the grape varieties used are strictly defined, registered or authorised and are grown in the region of which the wine bears the name. Traditional denominations such as “premium”, “reserve” or “premium reserve” can also be added to the labels of regional wines.
The word “premium” can be added providing that the wine is made from a single grape variety and that the best quality grapes from the harvest are used (must not be more than 10% of the whole harvest).

The word “premium reserve” can be added if the wine meets the conditions described above, and as it is kept until all other wine from the harvest has been sold.
“Reserve” can be added providing that the wine is produced from a single grape variety and that it is matured for at least a year, counted from the 1st of November of the harvest year, before being sold.


- Quality wines of controlled origin
These wines must come from a specified region, wine production zone or vineyard, the name of which must be used for the wine. The essential characteristics and qualities are exclusively due to their environment, which includes natural conditions and traditional production techniques. They must also be produced in the region, zone, or vineyard specified. Traditional denominations can be added to the label of quality wines, such as, “barrique” (cask), “premium oak”, “first oak barrel vintage”, “special reserve”, “special selection” and “collection”.

The denomination “barrique” can be added providing that fermentation of the wine takes place in oak barrels which do not hold over 500 L. The denominations “premium oak” and “first oak vintage” can be added to the label as long as the wines were matured in new oak barrels, which are not over 500L in volume.
“Special reserve” can be added to the label providing that the wine, made from one or several grape varieties, is for one month longer than the time period specified in the denomination of quality wine from specific origin act. For the denomination “special selection” to be added, the wine must be matured for two years longer than this set time period.
The denomination “collection” can be added to the label if the wine is matured for at least a year longer than the time period outlined in the act, and is also then matured in the bottle for at least a year after all “special reserve” is sold. The quantity of this wine must not be more than half of the “special reserve”.

Wine genres

 
- Non-sparkling wine: concentration of CO2 is less than 2 g/L.

- Sparkling wine: obtained following first or second alcoholic fermentation, or by adding CO2
(Sparkling wine can be bubbly or effervescent).

- Special wine: syrupy wine, flavoured wine and naturally sweet wine (noble)

i. Syrupy wine: wine obtained from fresh or partially fermented rape and wine with naturally obtained ethanol or distilled wine (or a combination of both). Syrupy wine has an actual alcohol concentration of, or more than, 15%, a volume concentration of 22% maximum, and a total alcohol concentration of more than 17.5% (with the exception of certain syrupy quality wine from specific geographical origin).

ii. Flavoured wine: wine obtained by the addition of natural flavours and /or natural flavour compositions and/or herbs and spices. This includes their extracts/flavours/combinations of the two. Flavoured wine has an actual alcohol concentration of, or higher than, 14.5%, but less than 22% and a total alcohol concentration of, or higher than, 17.5%.

iii. Naturally sweet wine (noble): wine produced using at least 85% of overripe or botrytis grapes (fungus or mould used to increase sugar concentration). The rape from which the wine is obtained must have a natural sugar concentration of 212g/L minimum. The fermentation process should be stopped by adding ethanol; distilled wine or by other authorised methods.

Types of wine

Wine types are defined by the amount of residual sugar they contain.
- Non-sparkling wine can be dry, medium dry, medium sweet and sweet.
- Dry wine has a concentration of sugar which is lower than 4g/L. Sugar level of up to 9g/L are permitted, providing that acid concentration does not rise above 2g/L.
- Medium dry wine has a sugar concentration of between 4 and 12g/L. A maximum sugar concentration of 18g/L is permitted, providing that acid concentration, from 10g/L, is not higher than the sugar concentration.
- Medium sweet wine has a sugar concentration of between 12 and 45g/L.
- Sweet wine has a sugar concentration higher than 45g/L.

Bubbly and effervescent wine can be:
- extra brut: residual sugar concentration of less than 6g/L.
- brut: sugar concentration less than 15g/L.
- extra dry: sugar concentration between 12 and 20 g/L.
- dry: sugar concentration of 17 to 35 g/L.
- medium dry: sugar concentration of 33 to 50 g/L.
- sweet: sugar concentration of more than 50 g/L.

Wine tourism
Wine tourism has experienced significant growth over the last few years. In Southern Bulgaria, it is possible to visit cellars for wine tasting and to learn about the cultural traditions linked to wine production.

Wine festivals
The wine and wine producers festival is celebrated on the 14th of February, demonstrating the importance of wine in Bulgarian culture. For as long as can be remembered, people have honoured the Patron Saint of vines, Saint Trifon Zarezan. The festival is of pagan origin and is linked to the Dionysos cult from Thracian times. Bulgarian people dress up in traditional costumes and gather in their vineyards, accompanied by musicians. The best wine producer cuts off a piece of vine and pours wine onto it; this is believed to create a good harvest. The vine shoots that have been cut off are woven into the shape of a crown, which is then placed on the head of “The King of the Vine”. The festival takes place throughout the whole country. The ceremonies, during which the vines cutting ritual takes place, mark the end of winter.

Exhibitions

Vinaria: an exhibition on vine growing and wine production techniques in Eastern Europe.


VINARIA
International Exhibition of Vine-Growing and Wine Producing
Wine Festival
National Wine and Spirits Tasting

International Fair Plovdiv
37, Tzar Boris III - Obedinitel Blv
4003, Plovdiv
Bulgarie
+359 (0)32 903 600
+359 (0)32 902 432

The largest professional wine and spirits exhibition in the Balkans is held at the Exhibition Park in the town of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, every year. It is an interesting exhibition that presents vine growing and wine production supplies, and targets the South East Europe market.
Dates: 26 to 29th March 2008


Products: Materials and equipment for vine growing and wine producing, packaging lines, corks and labelling products, local producers (wine tasting and commercial sales).

Percentage of different types of exhibitors from 2005 to 2007.

During the 2007 exhibition, the highest award (Rhyton d’Or) was awarded to Sakar Luibimetz cellar, for their Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. In total, 22 red wines and 3 white wines received gold medals. The majority were awarded to small producers and those using newly planted vines.
The SOFIA wine exhibition is the only professional wine and spirits exhibition to be held each year in Sofia.

The 7th show will be held from 19 to 22 November 2008