Bessa Valley Merlot Thracian Lowlands PDO

Thracian Valley Wine Region, Bulgaria

Estate Merlot from Thracian calcareous clay; more accessible and fruit-forward than Enira Reserve. Ripe plum, blackberry, chocolate, and vanilla from 12 months in French and Hungarian oak. Bulgaria's quality Merlot showing the warm Thracian climate produces impressive concentration at mid-range pricing. Excellent value discovery wine.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Traditional Bulgarian clay pot dish with Bulgarian Merlot; the wine's plum and chocolate complement the long-simmered pork
• main: Thracian warmth and Merlot's richness are natural with the spiced grilled pork of Bulgarian street food tradition
• cheese: Bulgarian aged sheep's cheese with Bulgarian Merlot; honey bridges wine's fruit while fig echoes plum character