Bulgarian winemaking has deep roots. Who knew? Domain Menada Winery in Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley, has been producing barrels of juicy, fresh wines for over a century. But it’s only been since joining Europe in 2007 that Bulgaria’s wine industry has been flooded with foreign investments and oenophile expertise, spurring distribution into North America. Snuggled in the southeast corner of Europe, Bulgaria’s fertile countryside is divided into four main geographic regions – the Danube, Balkan Mountains (called locally the "Old Mountains"), Rhodope Mountains and Thracian Valley. The latter, home to the “Valley of Roses,” is known for producing perfume and tobacco and growing a grab bag of well-known grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon - and obscure indigenous varietals such as Misket, Dimyat, Rubin and Mavrud. Domain Menada’s Tcherga (pronounced ch*er*ga) is one of the notable Bulgarian wine lines offered in the United States – and well priced, under $9 a bottle. Tcherga wines are stand outs not only for their vibrant flavors, but their colorful horizontal striped label - and bang for the buck value.Let’s go!Stef’s Cribsheet – Tcherga Wines! 1. Tcherga Sauvignon Blanc & Misket 2007 - $8.99Fragrant tropical fruit fills the senses with every swirl and sniff of this 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Misket – a Dimyat and Riesling hybrid varietal. Lip-smacking fresh, its bright acidity and passion fruit flavors make it a terrific partner with crunchy green salads, shellfish, lemon chicken and goat cheese. 2. Tcherga Chardonnay & Dimyat 2007 - $8.99A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Dimyat - the second most planted white grape in Bulgaria – its golden yellow belly reveals lively lemon, fresh peach, melon and green apple. Its great paired with citrus cod, grilled chicken, pasta salads, turkey sandwiches and brie.3. Tcherga Rose’ 2007- $8.99With notes of strawberry, red plum and spice this dry rose made from a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is an excellent choice for Thai, Indian or any old picnic – or après ski. It’s also terrific with smoked chicken, spicy pasta, pizza and burritos. 4. Tcherga Merlot & Rubin, 2006 - $8.99Bright black cherry, ripe raspberry and savory black plum overflow from this medium body sipper, which is a savory cross of 70% Merlot and 30% Rubin – a Nebbiolo and Syrah hybrid created in Bulgaria in 1944. Juicy and gulpy, it’s ideal with roasted salmon, cheese steak, quesadillas, ketchupy burgers, Pecorino, Gouda and Gruyere. 5. Tcherga Cabernet Sauvignon & Mavrud, 2006 - $8.99This 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Mavrud - a small, thick-skinned grape with dark fruit flavors – duo burst with baskets of wild berries and subtle tannins. Its ruby-red weighty body unfolds with ripe, rich layers of smoky oak and chocolate, while leaving a silky smooth finish that wraps nicely around grilled beef, seared tuna, wild mushrooms and blue-lined cheeses.Stefani Jackenthal, President of NTS Wine Tasting, LLC. (specializing in private, corporate, and monthly wine tastings & dinners). www.NTSWinetasting.com or NTSWineTasting@stefjack.com
