2018 Bessa Valley Winery - Merlot blend Thracian Lowlands Enira (750ml)

Domaine Bessa Valley was established in the early 2000s on 140 hectares between the Rhodope Mountains and the Maritsa River, one of Bulgaria's most significant foreign wine investments of that era. The project was led by Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of Château Canon La Gaffelière in Saint-Émilion, who brought Bordeaux winemaking expertise to this ancient Thracian growing area. Enira, the estate's flagship red, takes its name from a Thracian princess and has earned gold medals at both the London Wine Competition and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

This vintage blends Merlot with Syrah, Petit Verdot, and a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on loamy, clay-stony soil underlain by limestone. The continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters, moderated by the nearby mountains and river. After harvest the wine ages roughly a year in French oak, a process that rounds out the tannins and knits the blend together.

The wine pours a deep garnet color and opens with dark berries, plum, and mulberry, layered with cinnamon, clove, and vanilla from the oak. On the palate it is full-bodied, with firm but smooth tannins and a long finish touched by woodsmoke and sweet spice. It pairs naturally with grilled lamb, braised beef, charcuterie, and aged hard cheeses.