Bulgarian Wine

The history of wine-making in the country of Bulgaria began at least 3000 years ago with the ancient Thracians. They traded what was then a dense, sweet wine from native grapes to the Greeks. During the Roman era, techniques improved and this was likely when white wines were introduced. In the 9th century, Bulgaria embraced the Christian religion as it spread through Europe. It is said that certain villages, such as Asenovgrad, were spared during the Crusades because of appreciation for the local wine. Wine trade spread throughout Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. When the Ottomans occupied Europe, wine production in Bulgaria could mostly continue because of a loophole in Muslim law allowing sacramental wines. Wine continued to thrive until the end of the 19th century when the worldwide Phylloxera blight hit the country.

 

When replanting initiatives took shape, the Bulgarian Trade Minister invited French oenologist Pierre Viala to consult on the best suited grapes for replanting Read more »