site.btaKonopane Winery: New Machines Ensure More Precise Grape Processing, Higher Quality Wines

BTA will present dozens of Bulgarian wineries in the New BG WINE Leads the Way series ahead of the 9th UN Global Conference on Wine Tourism, which will be hosted in Plovdiv. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the UN World Tourism Organization.

In recent years, Konopane Winery has increased their vessel capacity and purchased new grape processing machines, which has contributed to more precise processing and higher quality of their wines, Konopane Winery manager Tihomir Marinov told BTA. He pointed out that the winery mainly processes Cabernet Sauvignon, Mavrud, Grenache, Rubin, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Rkatsiteli varieties. 

"We are distinguished by our very fresh and aromatic white wines, and for reds, we have only one wine that is aged in oak barrels, and that is our Bunalya Reserve," said Marinov. According to him, over the past three years, the Mavrud from the Urtha series has emerged as the benchmark for the winery. "Many of our customers like it because of its fruity aroma and taste. Unlike most wines of this variety on the market, which are in contact with oak, we emphasize its varietal expression," commented the manager.

Every year, Konopane participates in five or six wine events. The next one the winery will attend is the Young Wine Parade in Plovdiv (South Central Bulgaria).

Commenting on the current grape harvest, Marinov said that every year is increasingly challenging for the industry. "We are currently in a campaign that is once again not easy. Climate change has a significant impact on the yield and quality of grapes. We are adapting to them," he  said, adding that tastings are organized at the winery by prior arrangement.

The Mon Ami series is a blend of three varieties – 30% Mavrud, 40% Syrah, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a typical terroir from the Thracian Plain, an intense and multi-layered aroma with delicate ripe tannins. It is not aged in oak barrels, as the idea is to preserve the harmony and balance of the varieties. 

Bunalya Reserve red wine is harmonious, balanced, and soft on the palate. It has a grassy aroma with spicy notes. The aroma of red grapefruit, mango, and ripe pineapple predominates. 

Urtha Mavrud is characterized by a ruby red color, soft taste, sufficient freshness, and balanced tannins. The aroma is specific, with hints of blackberry and ripe blackcurrant.

The Konopane Winery is located in the village of Mogilovo. The winery was established in 2018, and initially the wines were marketed under the Mon Ami brand. The following year, two more series were launched – Bunalya and Ot Loze.

In early 2021, the Urtha series, named after the area where Mavrud and Rkatsiteli are grown, was also successfully launched on the market. The winery produces limited series of wines, ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 bottles per variety.