The Bulgarian Terroir

The Unique Geographical Location …

Located in the Balkans, near the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Turkey, and on the Black Sea at the same time, Bulgaria meets all the criteria common for the renowned terroirs. Bulgaria lies on the same latitude as the most famous wine regions of the Old World in France, Italy and Spain.

The Combination of Two Climates ...

The climate in Bulgaria is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the Balkan Mountains (600-3000 meters). The combination of two climates - moderate continental and Mediterranean climate, provide for acidity (freshness) and concentration thanks also to the more than 200 days of sunshine a year. This unique combination gives the Bulgarian terroir its typical character of power and finesse.

The continental climate is more pronounced in northern Bulgaria with hot summers and cold winters. To the south of the Balkan Mountains, which separates the two climates, the climate is softer and increasingly bears the Mediterranean features. Winters are cold with average daytime temperatures of -2°C to the north and +4°C to the south. During the summer the temperatures rise to an average of 23°C to the north and up to 35°C to the south. The average temperature from April to September is 23°C. Along the Black Sea coast, the temperature in July and August is usually around 30°C. Fortunately, the sea breeze and the night winds bring some refreshing cool air. The most rainfalls are at the beginning of the summer. The average precipitation is 600 mm a year, in the mountains - 1000 mm a year, often in the form of snow.

The Warm Winds ...

The warm winds from the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea warm the air up over the plains and valleys. This warm air rises up to be replaced by the cool air masses coming from the mountains. This particular air circulation has a strongly sanitizing and draining effect on the vineyards in the Thracian valley and prevents them from development of diseases.

The Abundance ...

 

The abundance of shallow soils at the foot of the mountains and hills (chalk, chernozem) in combination with the substrate (sedimentary limestone and sandstone layers) facilitates the deep rooting of the vines and a good water drainage.