WINE EUPHORIA

Bulgaria's wine traditions span so deep back into time that no-one can say for sure where they begin. But even the strongest traditions change and open space for new tastes and fashions. Bulgaria is not an exception. The country has already a stable position on the modern wine market, adopts novelties, invests in vineyards, technologies, specialists and wineries, and enjoys a growing group of people interested in wine. Tellingly, this November the specialised expo DiVino.Taste attracted over 70 Bulgarian producers (from large to family), which presented 500 labels to a public thirsty for the discovery of new tastes.

Bulgarian wines are on the rise. They win international awards, and on the local market compete with a new player, which also changes the rules and imposes new and exciting tastes: import. Foreign wines from the Old and the New world include from mass vintages to true objects of the art of winemaking with their own history, character and unique taste, and are key for the implementation of novelties and the education of new tastes in Bulgaria. Syrah is a good example. Until not that long ago it was seen as something exotic and strange to the Bulgarian wine lovers, but today it is valued and some wineries invest in vines of the variety.

Even the best of wines, however, are pointless when there is no-one to appraise them. Happily, the number of informed, knowledgeable wine lovers in Bulgaria is growing. And this is excellent, because it stimulates both producers and importers to offer even more quality wines.

Wine is a good friend all the year round, but in the winter a glass or two of a class vintage bring a particular light in our everyday life. This makes wine an excellent gift: for us and for our loved ones.

Merlot Barrique 2013 by DiVes Estate

Wine that leaves lasting and pleasant memories: this is Merlot Barrique 2013 by DiVes Estate (www.divesestate-bg.com). Its deep, dark ruby colour is complemented by a flavour of dried berries, spices and caramel, tobacco and minerals, plus a rich taste of melted tannins, and a long and intriguing finish. In short: the perfect wine to bring taste, colour and light to the long winter evenings. The qualities of Merlot Barrique 2013 were already recognised with a silver medal at the winemaking competition of ENOEXPO 2015 in Krakow, a seal of approval from the AWC Vienna 2015 and a bronze medal from Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 in London.

Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvée Héritiers Latour by Cartel
France, Burgundy, Louis Latour: three great names in the world winemaking. The Latour family has been winemakers since the 17th century and the Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvee Heritiers Latour Pinot Noir is their history, know-how, tradition and philosophy in a nutshell. This classic Grand Cru has an impressive garnet hue and a distinctive smoky nose with hints of licorice and berries. In the mouth it is beautifully balanced with oaky flavours coming through and evolving toward notes of mixed berries and underbrush. Ideal with fatty fish, roasted chicken, duck and other game birds, casseroles or, of course, Beef Bourguignon.
Buy from www.cartelbg.com.