Wine Making Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon with the Medovo brand were initially produced in the Preslav winery (one of our affiliates) starting in the fall of 2006 and using our distinct recipe and technology. Onsite production began at the end of 2008. Meanwhile, the Medovo wines have earned some high distinctions on a national and international scale. The Chardonnay was awarded bronze medal at the Chardonnay du Monde 2007 competition, which was held in early March at Chateau des Ravatys, at Saint-Lager in Burgundy, France, and which attracted 949 entries from 28 countries. It was also awarded two golden medals at the Bulgarian Vinariya 2008 in the city of Plovdiv. The Vineyards All vines are carefully selected in French nurseries and planted in microclimate areas most suitable to their grape varieties. The white varieties (Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Traminer) are located in North-East Bulgaria, in the regions of Preslav and Varna. The reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah) are grown in the southern part of the country near Liubimets, Jambol, and Tsarevo. The wide diversity of terroir is a key factor in the complexity of the wines. Harvest The fruit is hand-picked at the time of optimal technological ripeness, determined by its sugar content, pH level, phenolic maturity, and, of course, its taste. It is transported with refrigerated trucks. If necessary, additional grape selection is carried out with the help of sorting tables. A Unique Approach During the wine production process, the grapes undergo fermentation in custom-made 10m3 stainless steel tanks. Automated temperature-control systems are in place to ensure a regulated environment. Throughout the process the grape juice moves only gravitationally in order to minimize stress and other unwanted influences. This is possible due to the vertical planning embedded in the winery’s structural design. The cellar elevation is -4.2 m. Its natural temperature varies between 15° to 18°C (59° to 64.4°F) throughout the year. This environment ensures the gradual build up of structure, complexity, maturity, and elegance of taste.