Варна (Varna)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The vineyards are situated in the south-eastern part of the Danubian hilly plain, and in climatic terms the area falls within the temperate continental climate zone and the Black Sea climatic sub-region.
• The proximity of the Black Sea moderates the climatic conditions, which are milder than those in the interior of the Danube Plain.
• The total heat accumulation for the period with mean daily temperatures above 10 °C, from April to October, is approximately 3,750 °C, the mean daily temperature of the warmest month is 22.6 °C, and mean annual precipitation is 540 mm.
• Soil types are represented by chernozems and leached chernozems, moderately to strongly eroded, of medium sandy-clay texture, as well as by carbonate chernozems that are non-eroded to slightly eroded, of sandy-clay texture.
• A characteristic feature of the temperate continental climate in the area, as moderated by the proximity of the Black Sea, is the long and cool spring, while summer is quite dry and moderately warm with a pronounced sea-breeze circulation, and autumn is warm and extended.

• The authorised grape varieties for the production of wines with the PDO Varna are Rkatsiteli, Ugni Blanc, Dimyat, Muscat Ottonel and Chardonnay for white wines, and Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for red wines and rosé.
• The training systems applied in the vineyards are Umbrella, Moser and mid-trunk double-arm cordon, with pruning being mixed and short, to a maximum load of 54 buds per vine.

• The white wines produced are refined, combining a pleasant fruity bouquet, a full-bodied palate and elegant freshness.
• The red wines display a pronounced fruity bouquet with nuances of damson and wild berries, a sense of fullness and softness on the palate, and a well-balanced, lingering finish.

• The extended and warm autumn in the area favours the accumulation of sufficient sugars in the grapes.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Bulgaria

Sources

• National product specification (PDF) — iavv
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-BG-A1032
• Official trade body site — НЛВК — Национална лозаро-винарска камара