Стара Загора (Stara Zagora)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Central Upper Thracian Plain, north of Sredna Gora and Stara Planina; predominantly sloping relief with mainly southern and south-eastern aspects.
• Mean elevation 160–190 m; transitional continental climate with characteristic air currents that protect against fatally low winter temperatures.
• Heat summation (April–October) approx. 3,815 °C; mean daily temperature in the warmest month 23 °C; annual rainfall 515–700 mm.
• Two soil types: leached chernozems (heavy sandy-clay and light clay) and leached cinnamon forest soils (heavy sandy-clay).
• The protection from northern air masses afforded by Sredna Gora and Stara Planina, combined with the soil conditions, ensures optimal vine development.

• White wines: straw-yellow in colour, with aromas of tropical fruits and spicy herbs, and a balanced palate showing citrus notes.
• Red wines: deep red with a brownish hue in older vintages, showing forest fruits and spices, with red fruit and blueberry dominant.

• The leached chernozems and cinnamon forest soils contribute to a well-balanced palate with prevailing citrus fruit character in the white wines.
• The southern and south-eastern aspects at 160–190 m elevation and a heat summation of approximately 3,815 °C give rise to aromas of forest fruits and spices in the red 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-A1394
• Official trade body site — НЛВК — Национална лозаро-винарска камара