Orbelia Winery is typical of what is happening in the Bulgarian wine world these days. That is, the Bulgaria's wine world is undergoing a rebirth. In fact some, such as Robert Smyth, writing for Wine Connoisseur suggests that Bulgarian wines are not only back but the wines are better than ever. Nowhere is that rebirth more obvious than in the Struma River Valley wine region. Without a doubt I felt very privileged to have visited wineries there recently. One of these wineries was Orbelia Winery. Orbelia, meaning White Mountain, is located at the foot of the Beklasica Mountain, near the village of Kolarova in the municipality of Petrich.
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| Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
Yes, there is lots of excitement the Bulgarian wine world these days because new wineries, such Orbelia, are opening. Southwest Bulgaria's Struma River Valley wine region, situated between the Pirin Mountains and the Struma River, is a small but a very significant wine region. Its significance is in part because of the indigenous grape Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broadleaf Melnik) that is found there. The grape takes it name from the town of Melnik. Wine made from Melnik grapes is highly valued for its full-bodied flavor, ruby-red color and its aging potential. Today wineries are making wines from Melnik and its modern clone Melnik 55. While the region is known for Melnik it also has had a tradition of growing international grape varieties. The Mediterranean influenced climate is ideal for growing international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Orbelia Winery
Orbelia Winery founded in 2013 has the philosophy to produce premium wines from grapes traditionally grown in the area. Their grapes come from over 100 acres of vineyards located in the Petrich and Sandanski.
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| Arriving at Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
After arriving at the winery we did a brief tour with the winemaker.
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| Outside Tank Area, Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Tank Area, Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
The winery utilizes modern technology in wine making however, the also winery prides itself in showcasing Bulgarian customs and culture. This is certainly evident in the winery's architecture and tasting room.
Wine Tasting
After the brief tour it was onto the tasting room where were greeted by the owner.
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| Meeting the Owner(left) & Winemaker (right), Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
We were welcomed to the tasting with some tempting plates of local meat, cheese and chestnuts.
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| Wine Tasting, Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Meat Platter, Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Roasted Chesnuts, Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Cheese Platter, Orbelia Winery © Spaswinefood |
During our visit we tasted the following wines.
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| Tasting Orbelia Winery Wines © Spaswinefood |
The wine we tasted included:
1. Orbelia Winery Sandanski Misket 2014 (produced from 31 year old vines)
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| Orbelia Winery, Sandanski Misket 2014 © Spaswinefood |
2. Orbelia Winery Chardonnay 2014
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| Orbelia Winery, Chardonnay 2014 © Spaswinefood |
3. Orbelia Winery Rose 2014 (Broadleaf Melnik 60%, Merlot 40%)
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| Orbelia Winery, Rose 2014 © Spaswinefood |
4. Orbelia Winery Melnik 2013
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| Orbelia Winery, Melnik 2013 © Spaswinefood |
5. Orbelia Winery Cabernet Franc 2013
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| Orbelia Winery, Cabernet Franc 2013 © Spaswinefood |
6. Orbelia Winery Merlot 2014
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| Orbelia Winery, Merlot 2014 © Spaswinefood |
The last wine I tasted, the 2014 Merlot, is the first vintage produced by the present winemaker. If the wine I tasted is any indication of this winemaker's potential I think the winery is in good hands. The wine tasting overall was also a good indication of the quality wines.
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| Orbelia Wines © Spaswinefood |
During our Struma Valley visit it was exciting to visit an exciting group of young wineries, such as Villa Melnik, Obelus and Orbelia. The band of new winery start-ups in this wine region, with such a rich historical viticultural tradition, offers amazing enotourism potential.
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Orbelia Winery Sign © Spaswinefood
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Given that the winery only produced its 1st vintage in 2013 this young winery is well on its way to producing good wines.
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| Posing with Orbelia Winery Winemaker © Spaswinefood |
Yes, the Struma River Valley is buzzing with excitement these days because new wineries like Orbelia are opening. Given that the Struma Valley has a rich wine tradition the future for new wineries like Orbelia looks bright. I would highly recommend that visitors to Bulgaria spend some time touring wineries in the Struma Valley.
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