Enjoy now, or cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting is optional, for up to an hour before serving. Bessa Valley Winery is located in the village of Ognianovo, in southern Bulgaria. The region was populated by Thracian tribes in ancient times and was the birthplace of legendary poet Orpheus, who supposedly charmed the vine-growers of the Rhodope Mountains with his harp. The Rhodope Mountains are just to the south of Bessa Valley and provide the perfect terroir for a beautiful range of wines. The majority of grapes grown on the winery’s 140 hectares are Bordeaux varietals, which thrive in the continental climate. The Grande Cuvee is a meeting of worlds, Bordeaux, Rhone and Bessa Valley. Four varietals each make up a quarter of the blend – Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Grande Cuvee shows a rich fruity bouquet, replete with blackberry, plum and red cherry aromas, backed by vanilla nuances. It is dry, smooth and full-bodied, with wonderfully rounded tannins. On the palate, black and red fruits are joined by notes of mocha, pepper, rich leather and hints of caramel. It will be an excellent companion for a variety of rich meats, including lamb, pork and duck, or if you’re vegetarian, mushroom-based dishes and bitter greens.
