Bessa Valley wines

Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several important Bordeaux estates like Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere and La Mondotte, fell in love with the charming Bessa Valley in Bulgaria and has become one of the region’s pioneers for Bordeaux-style wines. The estate is blessed with exceptional clay limestone soils and the cooling influence of the nearby Rhodope Mountains and Maritsa River which help moderate the warm summer temperatures.

In total the property has 140 acres under vine which is planted with Merlot, Syrah and some other key Bordeaux varietals. This punchy Cabernet is a great introduction to their typical house style with plenty of exuberance matched by elegance and balance. After vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for one year to add extra complexity and polish.

Bessa Valley Winery

Sofia, Slavyanska St 13, Bulgaria

Owned by ENIRA WINES

Bessa Valley is located on 250 ha, of which 140 have already been planted.

The project started in 2001 by purchasing lands from around 800 people in the area of Ognianovo village (region of Pazardzhik).

Only acacia sticks are used for vine support.

The winery is 3 555 m3 in area and has a capacity of 2 500 barrels. Bessa Valley Winery is using only French oak barrels – barriques. Each one costs around €570 and is used only three times. After the third use, the barriques stop influencing the aging of the wine.

Alcohol fermentation and maceration take place for about 30 days.