Friendsips Merlot & Rubin, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria, 2021

Intense ruby colour with crimson hues. Pronounced fruity nose with notes of black cherries and plums. Fresh and lively medium bodied red with ripe blackcurrant, forest fruits and light spice notes. The palate is smooth and harmonious with soft long finish.

The grapes are sourced from private growers - the Merlot vineyard is 15 year old, North - South facing, and the Rubin – 9 year old facing East – West. Both vineyards are on carbonated soils with high mineral content.

The grapes are handpicked in small trays. Both varieties are vinified separately -fermentation of the pressed juice in small inox vessels. Maceration with the skins for several days under constant temperature control followed by alcoholic fermentation. A month later the wines also go through malolactic fermentation. Final blending, stabilisation and bottling in May 2022.

Country: Bulgaria 

Region: Thracian Valley 

Vintage: 2021

Grape Variety: Merlot 70%, Rubin 30% (a cross of Nebbiolo & Syrah)

ABV: 14%

Size: 750ml 

Producer: Petar Georgiev, Radostin Milkov & Nikolay Krtastev