Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving.

The Bessa Valley winery occupies a stunning setting between Bulgaria’s lofty Rhodope Mountains and the Maritsa River. It was here that Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several esteemed Bordeaux estates including Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, found the perfect spot to create Bordeaux-style wines from the exceptional local terroir.

Bessa Valley’s 140 hectares of vines benefit from hot, sunny summers with temperatures moderated by the nearby mountains and excellent clay limestone soils. This particular cuvee is a great introduction to their house style, blending plenty of Merlot with Syrah and a dash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After vinification the wine spends one year ageing in French oak barrels for extra polish and complexity.

Succulent dark berries, plums and mulberries immediately jump out of the glass along with deeper hints of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. On the palate there’s a robust full body, firm yet smooth tannins and a long finish seasoned with woodsmoke and sweet spice. The easy-going nature of this red make it a great choice to combine with charcuterie and mature hard cheeses as well as to drink on its own in good company.