2023 Georgiev-Milkov - Pamid Rubin Mavrud Thracian Valley Mixtape (750ml)

The Georgiev/Milkov Wine Project began in 2014 when classmates Petar Georgiev and Radostin Milkov set out to find the right vineyards in the Western Thracian Lowlands near Plovdiv. The pair had made wine in places as far flung as Austria, Malta, China, and the United States before turning their attention to Bulgaria's own indigenous grapes. They own no vineyards of their own, instead working closely with specific growers in iconic local sites like Brestovitsa, Novi Izvor, and Prolom, favoring old vines and a light, hands-off touch in the cellar.

Mixtape blends three grapes long thought to have originated in this part of Bulgaria: Pamid, Rubin, and Mavrud, sourced from vineyards on light brown forest and clay soils that benefit from ample winter and spring rain, shelter from strong winds, and long hours of sunshine. Made in a tiny parcel of only about 120 bottles a year, the wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation in barrel and is aged gently for eight months before bottling.

The result is a bright, playful red with fresh red cherry and berry fruit, backed by complex acidity and silky, well judged tannins. It drinks easily and is versatile enough to serve lightly chilled, working equally well with pizza, grilled meats, or on its own with friends.