The exploration of Bulgarian wine continues with a visit to The Jolly Vintners, nestled along the Iscar River in the charming village of Lyutibrod, northwestern Bulgaria. The picturesque setting is enhanced by the striking Ritlite limestone formations nearby.
The Jolly Vintners, operated by Dimitar Dimitov and Ivana Tsatova, is both a negociant and a vineyard. Their small vineyard allows them to experiment with blending various red grape varieties, particularly integrating some international selections with indigenous Bulgarian ones. This venture began in 2019 following a hailstorm that impacted their vineyard. The quirky name ‘Jolly Vintners’ reflects their lighthearted approach to winemaking, focusing on creating enjoyable wines rather than striving for grandiosity.
Neither Dimitov nor Tsatova have formal training in viticulture; a lawyer and a physicist, respectively, they shifted careers a decade ago to pursue this passion. With only 5 acres of vines, they collaborate with larger wineries to craft their blends and produce wine from their own grapes. Their vineyard is organically cultivated, featuring grasses and herbs, and even hosting sheep in winter, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment that resembles a park.
In recent years, Bulgaria has seen significant investments in the wine sector, buoyed by European funding. However, the country grapples with selling its wine, as only about 500,000 out of 6 million Bulgarians drink wine, resulting in intense competition among many wineries that have branched out beyond their primary businesses.
The grapes for The Jolly Vintners’ wines are sourced exclusively from North Bulgaria.
The Wines
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The White Danube 2023: A blend of Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. It features bright, linear notes with fresh citrus and pear flavors. Graded 91/100.
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The White Danube NV: Composed mainly of 2022 grapes, with a touch of 2021 Chardonnay. Offers fresh pear and citrus fruits with herbal hints and a stony finish. Graded 89/100.
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Jolly in Rose 2022: Made from Pinot Noir and Gamza, this pale pink rosé showcases fruity notes of strawberry and cherry with a savory edge, earning a 91/100 rating.
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The Hedgehogs NV: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamza, this wine is juicy with cherry and plum fruits, complemented by savory notes. Graded 91/100.
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Madame Rechka 2021: A robust blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Merlot aged six months in old oak, presenting a dense profile of blackcurrant and cherry flavors, rated 92/100.
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The Mulberries 2021: This vibrant blend combines Mavrud with Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. It has bright cherry flavors and an intense finish, receiving a 92/100.
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The Mulberries MV: Featuring Cabernet Franc and Syrah aged in new Bulgarian oak, this wine reveals a dense and spicy character with vivid fruitiness, rated 91/100.
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The Wild Cherry 2022: A red blend with Cinsault, Syrah, and Mavrud, it offers a balance of sweet and robust tannins with potential for aging, graded at 91/100.
For further insights into Bulgarian wine, you can explore: