Ямбол (Iambol)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Transitional-continental climate, sheltered from cold northern air masses by Stara Planina, with a mild Mediterranean influence along the Tundzha river valley.
• Flat to gently hilly relief in the Tundzha–Strandzha plain, at approximately 200 m above sea level, in south-eastern Bulgaria.
• Predominant soils: heavy sandy-clay smolnitsa soils (leached, typical, and calcareous) and cinnamon forest soils.
• The soils and microclimate impart density, fruitiness, and soft tannins to the red wines, and a full, balanced palate with a persistent finish to the whites.

• Permitted varieties: whites – Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Tamyanka; reds/rosé – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.
• Pruning systems are mixed and short, up to 54 buds per vine; training forms include Umbrella, Moser, and mid-trunk double-arm cordon; maximum 450 vines per decare.

• The red wines are deeply coloured, with a fruity bouquet, full body, and soft, fine tannins — a direct result of the smolnitsa and cinnamon forest soils.
• The white wines are distinguished by a rich and persistent fruity aroma, a full and balanced palate with an impressive length.

• The heavy sandy-clay smolnitsa soils and cinnamon forest soils impart sweetness, body, and extract richness to the wines.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• National product specification (PDF) — iavv
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-BG-A1179
• Official trade body site — НЛВК — Национална лозаро-винарска камара