Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine was made here 7,000 years ago by the Thracians who honoured the god of wine, Dionysus, and consumed wine undiluted, unlike the ancient Greeks.

Bessa Valley within the Thracian Valley of the Thracian Lowlands is located on the hills between the dramatic Rhodope Mountains and Maritsa River.

German Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several famous Bordeaux properties, sought out the Bessa Valley where the magnificent clay-limestone soils showed him the potential to create wonderful wines that are full of power and elegance.

The Count founded Bessa Valley Winery in 2001 with the vision of reviving the image of Bulgarian wines worldwide with Enira. He planted his 140-hectare vineyard with Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine in ancient Thracian culture

The Thracians who lived in this ancient land had a deep appreciation for wine.

Wine played a central role in the everyday life of the Thracians.

The famous Greek author Homer wrote in the epic poem Odyssey about the “wine of the Barbarians”.

The main hero of the Odyssey was Odysseus. One of Odysseus’ first encounters with the “wild” and the Barbarian world was when visiting the Thracian lands.

He helped Maron, called “the hero of sweet wine”, defeat the neighbouring enemy. As a token of gratitude, Maron gave Odysseus many amphoras of Thracian wine and several vessels for mixing wine, craters made of gold and silver.

Odysseus praised the divine aroma and thickness of the liquid.

The Greeks called the undiluted wine “wild wine” and no one drank it except the Barbarians – Thracians, Scythians and mythological creatures such as the Centaurs.

In Thracian mythology, wine was seen as a gift and was believed to have special powers. It was often used as an offering to the Gods and was believed to have the power to bring people closer to the divine.

In addition to its religious and ceremonial use, wine was also an important part of daily life for the ancient Thracians. It was a common beverage during meals and was often served to guests as a sign of hospitality.

The Thracians were known for their love of wine and their winemaking skills, and the Thracian Valley, was the place for wine production, not only because of the skills of the tribes living there, but as well as because of the extraordinary terroir.

Something spectacular, indeed, were the vessels and their usage in the ritualistic and everyday life of the ancient wine makers, especially two of them – the rython and the amphora.

Today, the tradition of winemaking in the Thracian Valley remains a special craft and the experts at Bessa Valley Winery continue the legacy of the ancient wine makers and are able to introduce the extraordinary, award-winning Bessa Valley wines’ to the world.

Grande Cuvee 2017 is a strictly limited wine from the best Merlot barriques of the estate, rounded off with a touch of Petit Verdot, the fruitiness of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the added elegance of Syrah.

This is a wine characterised with its balance and finesse. The colour is alive, intense and garnet with ethereal glow. The nose is dominated by berries, plum and nuts elegantly combined with the oak. The body is powerful, juicy and spicy, perfectly balance and with velvet tannins. The aftertaste is long and memorable with hints of chocolate and vanilla.

Discover its deep, multi-layered and uncommonly Bulgarian growth of great radiance and finesse. A masterpiece to be aged and enjoyed!

Petite Enira 2018 has a deep ruby colour. The strong and enduring fruity nose is dominated by cherry, wild berries and vanilla very well combined with the balanced taste result of the soft tannins due to the ageing in French oak barrels. Complex and lasting aftertaste distinguished by ripe fruit defines this wine as amazing and attractive.

The above two wines have been recently added to Enira wines that are available from aeclub.com.my.