Beyond the Judging: Unearthing Bulgaria's Wine & Cultural Treasures
The intensity of the competition days seamlessly melted into an enchanting exploration of Bulgaria's hidden gems. Our gracious hosts of Sauvignon Selection by CMB orchestrated a captivating series of cultural and oenotouristic adventures, offering us judges a deep dive into the soul of this fascinating country.
Our journey of discovery began with an insightful Master Class led by the esteemed Katia Yoncheva, unraveling the nuances of "The production of Sauvignon Blanc in Bulgaria" at the stunning Cultural Center Sea Casino. This enlightening session paved the way for an exceptional tasting, showcasing the diverse expressions of Bulgarian terroir through the acclaimed wines of:
Domain Marash: Wines of distinction and character.
Edoardo Miroglio: A fusion of Italian vision and Bulgarian land.
Domaine Boyar: Pioneers of modern Bulgarian winemaking.
Minkov Brothers: A legacy of passion and quality.
Stratsin Winery: Where tradition meets contemporary innovation.
Tipchenitza Winery: Crafting wines with regional identity.
Staro Oryahovo Winery: Rooted in history, reaching for excellence.
Black Sea Gold: Capturing the essence of the coastal terroir.
Simenta Winery Estate: Elegance in every sip.
Our cultural immersion continued with a visit to Chengene Skele, a picturesque fishing village and bay nestled 15 km south of Burgas on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Stepping into this "Gypsy Harbour," a name echoing its historical roots as a Roma fishermen's settlement, felt like stepping back in time. The Mayor of Burgas warmly hosted us for a cocktail dinner, a delightful affair featuring the freshest local fish specialties perfectly paired with regional wines – a true taste of the Black Sea's bounty.
Next, we journeyed to the ancient thermal baths of Aqua Calidae, a site pulsating with millennia of history. Meaning "warm waters" in Latin, this remarkable location near Burgas has drawn seekers of healing since Neolithic times. We walked in the footsteps of Thracian worshippers of the Three Nymphs, Roman emperors like Nero and Trajan who established its grandeur, Byzantine royalty, and even Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who sought relief in its legendary waters. Exploring the unearthed remnants of ancient baths and fortifications, we felt the weight of centuries and the enduring allure of these restorative springs.
Our oenological exploration reached new heights at the impressive Edoardo Miroglio Winery. This modern estate and boutique hotel in the Thracian Valley seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for tradition across its sprawling 220 hectares. Under the expert guidance of head winemaker Desislava "Desi" Baicheva, with the invaluable assistance of Italian consultant Marco Monchiero and viticulturist Alberto La Rosa, the winery crafts a stunning array of wines. From elegant reds, whites, and rosés to their celebrated traditional method sparkling wines and certified organic selections, featuring both international stars and Bulgarian heritage grapes like Mavrud and Rubin, every sip was a testament to their commitment to quality.
Our vinous adventure continued at Stratsin Winery in the renowned Pomorie region. Here, amidst vineyards benefiting from the Black Sea's gentle embrace, owners Marina Kostadinova and winemaker Cristo Yurinov passionately guided us through their innovative wine series. We discovered the pure varietal expression of "Early Birds," the harmonious blends of "SOULMATEs," and the approachable charm of "Picky Magpie" – each label telling a unique story of their winemaking philosophy. Their dedication to blending traditional Bulgarian spirit with contemporary global trends was evident in every meticulously crafted wine.
As a delightful finale, we were treated to a surprise tasting with Tohun Winery, a rising star in the Thracian Valley. This boutique producer champions quality and terroir, promising distinctive wines that capture the essence of their unique vineyards. We savored their latest releases, including an intriguing Petit Manning, a vibrant Dimyat & Grenache Blanc blend, a nuanced Chardonnay Viognier, and a refreshing rosé crafted from Malbec and Tempranillo. Tohun's commitment to careful vineyard practices and modern techniques hinted at a bright future for this exciting winery.
These immersive experiences, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the competition, offered us a profound appreciation for Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage and its burgeoning wine scene. We departed with not only a deeper understanding of its terroir and winemaking prowess but also with cherished memories of its warm hospitality and captivating beauty.
