Aya is a boutique winery located in the Struma Valley of Bulgaria, managing two distinct vineyards. The primary vineyard, Harsovo, is situated near the town of Melnik and benefits from a warm climate, where they cultivate varieties such as Melnik, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Syrah, and Grenache. Spanning 35 hectares, some of these vines are old, adding character to their wines. The second vineyard is positioned on the cool Black Sea Coast, covering 10 hectares since its establishment in 2014, where they produce whites and Pinot Noir. Both sites are certified biodynamic.
With a total area of 45 hectares, Aya Estate produces approximately 250,000 bottles annually. Notably, the wines reflect the unique terroirs from both vineyards. The tasting experiences reveal a diversity of styles and flavors:
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Ayano White 2023: A blend of 41% Viognier, 33% Marsanne, 17% Roussanne, and 9% Chardonnay, this wine from the Struma Valley offers juicy, bright flavors with a citrus edge. Its elegance earns it a score of 90/100.
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Shiroka Melnishka Loza 2021: This varietal showcases juicy and fresh characteristics, complemented by a savory finish with hints of aniseed. It stands out with finesse and a sour cherry finish, scoring 93/100.
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Colorito 2021: A blend of 70% Shiroka Melnishka Loza and 30% Pinot Noir, it presents lovely red cherry and raspberry flavors with a spice note, earning it a 92/100 rating.
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Colorito 2022: Supple and juicy, this vintage has pronounced red cherries and plums, with a bright structure and a score of 93/100.
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Early Melnik 2022: This wine features complex flavors of wild raspberry and cherry, with a savory twist and good acidity, achieving a score of 93/100.
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Disegno Petit Manseng Late Harvest 2021: From their northeastern vineyard, this late harvest exhibits matchstick reduction, pear, and peach fruit, combined with spicy notes such as marmalade and apricot, rated at 94/100.
Aya Estate emphasizes a commitment to biodynamic farming and showcases the unique wine potential of Bulgaria through its high-quality selections.
For more about Aya Estate, visit their website: Aya Estate
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