The Upper Thracian Lowland is one of the preferred wine destinations for 2017
Author(s): Растителна защита
Date: 20.01.2017
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The wine website Wine Enthusiast has announced its ranking for 2017, where the Upper Thracian Lowland is placed second among the 10 best destinations for wine tourism in the coming year.
The ranking was compiled by journalists Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, who are known not only for their inspiring travelogues about wine, but also for their participation on the jury of last year’s edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, which was held in Plovdiv. Thus, they had the opportunity to get to know the region and to enjoy the quality of Bulgarian wine. The authors also recommend Plovdiv as one of the must-visit places on Bulgaria’s wine map. The city combines a well-curated wine list, historical landmarks and ancient history.
Upper Thracian Lowland
In the western parts of the Upper Thracian Lowland a region with a transitional continental climate is formed, while in the southeasternmost parts the climate is Mediterranean. The orographic barriers around the lowland play a significant role in shaping the multiannual weather regime. In the north, the Balkan Range and Sredna Gora are serious orographic barriers against cold air masses, while in the south the Rhodope Mountains prevent the incursion of warm Mediterranean air. The winter season is relatively mild and warm. Both white and red grape varieties are grown in the region, but red wines dominate significantly, both in quantity and in quality. The area is relatively flat, but the vineyards are located on hilly terrains in the foothills of Sredna Gora, the Rhodope Mountains and Sakar. The relatively high annual temperatures and suitable forest and sandy-clay soils are extremely favorable for red wine grape varieties. The most widely spread are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Misket, Pamid, and in some micro-regions (Asenovgrad) also the emblematic Bulgarian variety Mavrud. Good wines from the local variety Mavrud are particularly highly valued because they combine the aroma and taste of small red fruits, spices and herbs. In addition, they are characterized by intense coloration, high body, a rich aroma with a warm, southern character and significant potential for long-term aging.
The micro-regions around Haskovo, Stambolovo, Lyubimets and Ivaylovgrad are associated mainly with excellent wines from the Merlot variety. Wines from Cabernet Sauvignon from Oryahovitsa, Perushtitsa and Brestovitsa are of great merit and individuality.
1. Cafayate, Argentina
2. Upper Thracian Lowland, Bulgaria
Bordered by the Black Sea to the east and Greece to the south, Bulgaria’s Thracian Lowland combines archaeological marvels with modern wines.
3. Canary Islands, Spain
4. Marlborough, New Zealand
5. Provence, France
6. London, United Kingdom
7. Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
8. Sicily, Italy
9. Rheingau, Germany
10. Hood River, USA
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