Sonya K Huffman Iowa State University Overview and Developments in Bulgarian Wine Sector: 2001-2015 11th Annual AAWE Conference June 28 – July 2, 2017 Padua, Italy 

Introduction Bulgaria is an upper middle-income economy of 7.2 million people with a per capita income of $6,839. (GDP per capita, 2015.)   Bulgaria has a long history of wine production: Began at least 3000 years ago with the ancient Thracians Under the previous socialist economic system, the state nationalized all vineyards and wineries, creating a single state monopoly “Vinprom.” Since the early 1990s, the wine industry has undergone liberalization as state owned enterprises were sold to private investors.

The goal of the study To analyze the developments in the production and consumption of wine in Bulgaria for the 2001-2015

Climate and Soils in Bulgaria Bulgaria’s climate and soils create excellent conditions for growing superior grapes and wine production. In Bulgaria, there are all four seasons The climate in South of Bulgaria is intermediate continental, tending to Mediterranean Northern Bulgaria is distinguished by its temperate continental climate. The soils are diverse between the various regions of the country. there are cinnamon and grey forest soils, humic-carbonic soils, acidic soils, fertile black earth (chernozems), mountain soils, alluvial-meadow, including both deep and shallow sandy soils, and others.

Wine Regions in Bulgaria Danube Plain (northern) region--The fertile plains are home to 35% of Bulgaria’ vineyards Wines produced are red and whites Black Sea Coast (eastern) region--about 30% of Bulgaria’s vineyards; white wines The Valley of Roses (sub-Balkan) region--dry whites: famous for Misket Thracian Lowland (southern) region—most famous wine grape: the red, spicy Mavrud Struma River Valley (western) region–red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot The wine production in this country is indeed ancient dating back to the 5th century BC. wine regions --each with their own microclimates and grape varietals:

Grape Varieties in Bulgaria There are around 200 different grape varieties (Pleven Institute) The red wine grape varieties dominate and represent about 63% of the cultivated vines, while white wine grape varieties represent about 31%, and dessert grape varieties 6%. The largest share of the red grape varieties is: Pamid; Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Gamza; Melnik The largest share of white grape varieties is represented by: Rkatsiteli; Dimyat; Red Misket; Muscat Ottonel; Chardonnay The traditional Bulgarian grape varieties that are most popular and considered to be of greatest significance are Mavrud, Gamza, Melnik, Ruen, Rubin, Pamid, Dimyat and Red Misket.

Total Vineyard Area, Bulgaria, HA, 2001-2015

Production Bulgaria is specializing in production of wine grapes. Red varieties (mainly Merlot, Cabernet and Pamid) dominate with 63% of total area 31% planted to white varieties (mainly Red Misket, Muscat Ottonel, and Rkatsiteli) Grape production and utilization: grapes for wine manufacturing 93% wine making—commercial wine and home made wine  

Problems and Challenges Poor quality grapes; grape harvesting; wine-making technology, such as lack of modern filtration and bottling lines or refrigeration; improper management of inputs. Total Bulgarian vineyard area has been decreasing since 2000 (declined by 51%). The fragmentation in production and the high number of small vineyards and farms led to substantial problems with investment and marketing.  

Wine consumption It dropped from 6.7 l in 2009 to 4.4 l in 2012, and 2015-5.7 l. The decline in wine consumption over the years is due to change in the composition in alcohol consumption, or an increased consumption of beer and stronger spirits. But over the years there has been increased demand for a higher/better quality wine.

Wine consumption per capita is the lowest among the European Union countries Wine consumption estimates vary widely due to the inaccurate data on home-made wine and grey sector shares.

Summary Bulgaria has a long history of vineyards cultivation and wine production. Bulgaria’s climate, soils and temperature create excellent weather conditions for growing superior grapes and wine production. After years of decline, Bulgaria’s wine sector started to grow in 2013 and 2014, thanks to increased investments in wineries and vineyards. The decline in wine consumption over the years is due to change in the composition in alcohol consumption But over the years there has been increased demand for a higher/better quality wine.