History of the Ancient Thrace
The Thracians are an ethno-cultural community who settled on the Balkan Peninsula - the lands of present-day Bulgaria and parts of Greece, Serbia, Northern Macedonia and European Turkey – 6000 years ago. Nowadays, knowledge of the Thracian culture, traditions and history comes from sanctuaries and tombs, unique treasures, the Orphic doctrine and the wine tradition, derived from vines they brought over from the Middle East.
The Thracians worshiped Dionysus - the god of grapes and wine. Wine became symbolic of the rebirth and immortality of the human soul, in which the ancient Thracians unconditionally believed. The thick, dark red beverage was attributed magical properties, though to heal the body and soul, bringing enchantment and uplifting spirits. The ritual of drinking the sacred wine was performed in specially made “amphorae” with the golden expression of the patron Dionysus.
These beliefs inspired the Thracians and are the root of modern day wine estates and their heritage.
Wine Regions of Ancient Thrace
The Thracian Lowland
The area includes the central lowland, as well as parts of Sakar Mountain. It is characterised by a temperate-continental climate and favorable distribution of precipitation. Typical Bulgarian wines from this region include Mavrud, Rubin, Melnik, Misket, Tamyanka and Pamid.
The Rose Valley
Located between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora, producing mainly white dry wines. The Rose Valley is birthplace of the Red Misket – a variety of white grape with pink skins. Among the most famous grape varieties in the region are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.
The Danubian Plain
Covers the southern bank of the Danube river and is characterised by a temperate-continental climate, hot summers and sunny days. Commonly grapes in this area are Merlot, Pamid, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamza, and Muscat Otonel.
The Black Sea
The region is characterised by mild autumn which lends to white varieties with a high sugar concentration. Dimyat, Muscat Otonel and Sauvignon Blanc are among the most common vineyards in the area. Of the reds, Pinot Noir is the star of the region.
The Struma Valley
Includes the valley of the Struma River and is part of the historical region of Macedonia. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot summers. Typical grape varieties traditionally grown here include Melnik, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Native Varieties
Mavrud
Believed to date back to ancient Thrace, Mavrud is a red grape variety that has been grown for centuries only in the area of ancient Philippopolis, north of the Rhodopes. This variety is usually used to make wines with a mild taste and dark, rich color. Its cultivation is difficult and requires special attention, however worth the effort.
Gamza
Cultivated since ancient times, the Gamza variety, also known as "Kadarka" in many Balkan countries, is best grown in the Danube region. The wine is characterised by a bright red color, with a pleasant fruity taste and captivating freshness. The variety requires specific climatic conditions, and is grown mainly in the Danube plain as a result.
Pamid
According to legend, the ancient Thracians were avid fans of Pamid wines, characterised by a pleasant freshness and fruity taste. Although widely cultivated by the Thracians for centuries, today it is grown mainly in the Thracian lowlands.
Melnik
Melnik is a red grape variety grown in the area of the Struma River valley, characterised by a typical Mediterranean climate. According to the legend, Melnik wine is among Winston Churchill's favorites. This variety produces more powerful wines with a rich texture, exotic perfume and soft tannins.
Dimyat
Known for its fragrant grapes, the Dimyat variety has been grown for centuries in the Black Sea region. The wines it produces have a sweet taste, strong aroma and light amber color. The smoke ripens in late September. This variety is among the most popular in the Black Sea region.
Rubin
A successful cross between Syrah and Nebbiolo, Rubin is a variety with a typical dark purple color, mostly planted in the region of the Thracian Lowlands on the border with Strandzha Mountain. Rubin wines are characterised by a rich taste and color.
EUROPE SHARES
Selection of tradition, authenticity and taste
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Heritage of authentic wines from the Ancient Thracian Lowlands Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
PGI / PDO is the European Union’s quality scheme;
Knowing your wine comes from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ensures the EU have recognised the product to demonstrate authenticity and genuine quality from the origin.
Verified criteria includes; the viti/vinifaction process, quality of the vines and grapes, the environmentally conscious method of work, historical origin.
PDO is the symbol of a product made entirely from grape to bottling in the region associated to the PDO.