The Southern Region
The Southern Region, the largest wine producing region in Bulgaria. The soil is fertile and rich, precipitation higher than anywhere else. Red wines [2/3 of production]. The region is divided into three areas:
- The South-Eastern Sub-Region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, white Misket. The areas near Sliven, Korten and Oriachovitz produce riper, heavy wines.
- The Southern Region. Famous for excellent Merlots from Haskovo and Stambolovo [Merlot Sakar and Merlot Stambolovo]. The wines have a relatively good potential of maturing. 22% of the Bulgarian vineyards are located here. Thracia, Marika, the Rhodopes, Assenovgrad in the Southern Region are the homeland of the local Mavrud vine variety, from which the plum wines are made [they mature up to five years and more]. Fabulous Cabernets and Merlots in Reserve class come from Stambolovo [the Haskovo area].
- The Central and Western Sub-Regions. The area around Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria. Soft and supple Cabernets and excellent Mavrud, tanny and complex Merlot, Perushtitza, Assenovgrad and Sepremvri are made here.