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%

17.9.2022

Manual grape harvesting in boxes and careful selection of grapes

2012

Quartz, clay and sand

350 - 400 kg/hectare

8 months in French oak barriques

5-10 years

The 2022 vintage in the Zornitza Family Estate area took place in warm and dry climatic conditions, which ensured excellent ripening and good phenolic maturity of the grapes. The wines are distinguished by a rich fruit profile, a ripe structure and a soft, harmonious balance.

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.

Suitable for pairing with charcuterie and aged cheeses, barbecue or pizza.

16-18°C

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%

15.9.2023

Manual grape harvesting in boxes and careful selection of grapes

2012

Quartz, clay and sand

350 - 400 kg/hectare

8 months in French oak barriques

5 years

1300 bottles

The 2023 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions and a favorable growing season, allowing for gradual and even ripening of the grapes. The wines show excellent freshness, a pronounced aromatic profile and elegant structure.

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.

The grapes in this delicate and elegant wine come from the first of several pickings of the Syrah variety at Zornitza Family Estate. The wine impresses with its exceptionally pure, well-ripened fruit combined with light notes of sweet spices and sweets, and a soft, balanced finish.

Goat's cheese, prosciutto, beef steak

16-18°C

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

350 - 400 kg/hectare

8 months in French oak barriques

5 years

1300 bottles

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.

The grapes in this delicate and elegant wine come from the first of several pickings of the Syrah variety at Zornitza Family Estate. The wine impresses with its exceptionally pure, well-ripened fruit combined with light notes of sweet spices and sweets, and a soft, balanced finish.

Goat's cheese, prosciutto, beef steak

16-18°C