—Grape Varieties
Our local grape varieties
Mavrud
Mavrud is one of the oldest and most emblematic Bulgarian red varieties, cultivated mainly in Western Thrace. It is late-ripening, high-yielding, and resistant to rot. The quality of the grapes is strongly influenced by vine load and climatic conditions during the ripening period. In good years and with controlled yields, it produces memorable harvests of grapes and wines with medium to intense ruby color, impressive tannins, and fresh acidity. This makes them suitable for aging in oak barrels with good aging potential of 5-10 years. Characteristic aromas include rosehip, blackberry and strawberry, blackcurrant, black pepper, fresh tobacco, iodine, herbs, and earthy tones.
The Mavrud variety has many faces - the region produces white, rosé, red fruit wines, reds with aging potential, and dessert wines.
Shrouded in legends and described as the main livelihood in the Asenovgrad region, today this variety is a symbol of Bulgarian winemaking and enjoys its own celebration on October 26th - International Mavrud Day.
Rubin
Rubin was created in Bulgaria in the mid-20th century through crossing Nebbiolo and Syrah varieties at the Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking in Pleven. Although it lacks ancient history, today it is considered one of the most popular and beloved Bulgarian red varieties. It develops well on hilly terrain with moderately rich soils, distinguished by vigorous growth and good fertility. It is not resistant to low winter temperatures, but the grapes are resistant to cracking and rot.
Rubin wines are distinguished by their intense dark ruby color and aroma of juicy red forest fruits. They have pleasant freshness, full body, and firm tannins that soften with time. It enjoys contact with oak and has good potential for bottle aging. The variety allows for the creation of dry red wines and rosés, as well as dessert wines.
Red Misket
Red Misket is an old Bulgarian variety with pale pink skin, but suitable for producing high-quality white wines. In the past it was cultivated throughout Bulgaria, but today it is found mainly in the Rose Valley and Western Thrace. It is a cold-resistant variety. The grapes are distinguished by good acidity and an elegant aromatic profile: white flowers, rose, geranium, and citrus notes with a characteristic spicy nuance. The wines are fresh, dry, with golden color.
It is considered a descendant of ancient Thracian vines used in rituals of Dionysus. Today the variety is a symbol of Bulgarian identity and tradition in winemaking.
Dimyat
Dimyat is an old local variety that is also found in other Balkan countries under different names. It is the leading white local variety in the Black Sea region, but also grows excellently in the Rhodope foothills and in Sakar.
The variety is late-ripening, highly fertile and high-yielding, but for quality wines yields are limited. It is distinguished by large, juicy berries with greenish-yellow color and delicate skin. Dimyat wines from different regions of the country have different profiles. In Western Thrace, the white wines have excellent freshness, aroma of ripe yellow fruits, delicate floral notes, and a discreet vanilla nuance. It also has good results when aged in oak and acacia barrels, as well as when aged in bottle. Dimyat also produces excellent orange wines.
Pamid
Pamid is an ancient Balkan red variety, widely cultivated in our country in the past. It ripens early - celebrations in the Asenovgrad region began with it and concluded with the Mavrud harvest. It gives abundant harvests with medium clusters and thin skin. The wines are pale colored, light, with low acidity and delicate fruit aromas, suitable for quick consumption. The rosés are elegant, with dominant blueberry in the aroma, while the reds have no potential for long aging, but with very intriguing aromas of red fruits and fine floral notes.
In the 19th century it was the most widespread variety in Bulgaria and a symbol of "wine for the people." Today it is rarely encountered, but is being revived in the search for authentic local flavors.
