Dry red

Zornitza Family Estate is located in the Struma River Valley, 15 km southeast of the town of Sandanski and 5 km from Melnik. Surrounded by vineyards and mountain peaks, this is one of the most developed wine regions in Bulgaria with rich traditions in winemaking. The region is characterized by a temperate continental climate, with a strong Mediterranean influence. Specific features are the warm summer, mild winter and relatively small annual temperature amplitude. The place will captivate you with beauty, vastness, nature, organic food and our impressive collection of wines.

100% Syrah

25 - 26%

14%

08.09.2024

Manual grape harvesting in boxes and careful selection of grapes

2012

Quartz, clay and sand

bausen

350 - 400 kg/hectare

8 months in French oak barriques

10-15 years

The 2024 harvest in the Melnik region is estimated to be weaker in quantity, but with good to very good quality potential. The wines of Zornitsa Family Estate are no exception. Official data for Bulgaria show a decline in total grape production by about 9% compared to the previous year, as well as lower average yields, which also applies to the southwestern regions such as Melnik. The main reason is the unfavorable climatic conditions - prolonged drought and high temperatures in the summer, which in places lead to stress for the vineyards and lower yields. At the same time, it is these conditions that contribute to better ripening of the grapes, with higher sugar content and concentration of phenolic compounds.

The grape harvest started earlier than usual, and initial observations from the region around Sandanski and Melnik show very good grape quality. That is why the winemakers at Zornitza Family Estate describe 2024 as a year of “few but high-quality” grapes – lower quantities, but with the potential for fuller, more concentrated and characterful wines, albeit probably at a higher price

Before processing, the grapes are tempered in a cold room for about 20 hours. Then they are sorted on sorting lines, crushed, sorted again and crushed. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vessels of 500 l and 1500 l. For lactic acid fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels of 225 l. 100% from the blend matures in oak barrels for 6 months.

Deep purple colour. A complex nose with pepper and black fruits, dark chocolate and coffee. A firm body with velvety, powerful tannins that suggest a long life and potential.
A Syrah that is both austere and drinkable, it would be wonderful with veal tongue or roast veal, as well as a splendid accompaniment to mature cheeses.

Hard, aged cheese, rabbit, turkey

16-18°C