Wine of the Month, March 2023
Domaine Bessa Valley Enira 2017
Bulgaria
£16.00 + 100 bonus loyalty points
The connection between wine and Bulgaria is a long one, dating back some 3,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries of wine presses and amphorae. This pre-Roman heritage has endured, and the country has remained a place of great potential for producing quality wine. Following the collectivisation of the communist era, a growing number of quality-focused producers have emerged, leaving behind the past and turning their attention to making seriously impressive wines.
If your previous experience with Bulgarian wine was limited to the cheap and cheerful offerings of 15 or 20 years ago, now is the time to take another look. Among the many noteworthy producers is Domaine Bessa Valley, established in the late 1990s by Count Stephan von Neipperg, who has a stable that includes several Bordeaux Châteaux, of which Saint-Emilion's Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte are two.
Count von Neipperg's expertise has been instrumental in producing impressive and complex wines from the Thracian plain's rolling hills. The vineyards, located to the west of Plovdiv, are home to the classic Bordeaux varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, as well as Syrah, which thrives in the local terroir. Together, they yield a range of wines that are vibrant, expressive, and wonderfully evocative of this ancient land.
This big and robust red offers a luxurious Right Bank Claret-style experience. It boasts a deep, intense purple hue, with an aromatic nose that explodes with luscious vanilla and menthol notes. These are then followed by powerful and concentrated nuances of blackberry and raspberry, which together form a rich tapestry of flavour and texture.
Bulgaria is cementing its reputation as a producer of quality wines, and this delightful, mouth-filling red is a shining example of this trend. With its bold and robust character, it's a natural pairing for dark meats and hearty, rich dishes. If you enjoy the full-bodied richness of a bold Saint-Emilion, then this is definitely worthy of your attention.
Starting on Friday 24th February and throughout March it's available at £16.00 per bottle singly, or as part of a Mixed Six and for every bottle purchased you'll earn a bonus 100 loyalty points as well (that's worth £1.00 on redemption)
Check out the details here
Wine of the Month, March 2023
