Mavrud grape

Exploring Mavrud: Bulgaria’s Top Red Wine Grape

Mavrud is a distinguished grape variety that produces robust red wines and is used both for varietal wines and as a blending grape.

This ancient grape variety is native to the Thracian region of Bulgaria and holds a paramount place in the country's winemaking heritage.

Revered for its superior quality, Mavrud is among the oldest and most significant red wine grapes in Bulgaria, playing a crucial role in the cultural and historical fabric of Bulgarian viticulture.

Origin and History of Mavrud

The history of Mavrud is steeped in legend and tradition. According to folklore, during the reign of Bulgarian Khan Krum, all vineyards were ordered to be destroyed. This decree led to a scarcity of wine until a dramatic event changed the course of Bulgarian winemaking history. A lion escaped from its cage, causing panic among the citizens. However, a courageous young man named Mavrud managed to slay the lion. When Khan Krum inquired about the source of Mavrud's bravery, his mother revealed that she had secretly preserved a grapevine, producing wine from it, which fueled Mavrud’s courage. Impressed by this revelation, Khan Krum ordered the re-plantation of vineyards across the region. The name Mavrud is believed to derive from the Greek word "mavro," meaning black, reflecting the deep, dark color of the wine produced from this grape.

Regions Where Mavrud is Grown

Mavrud is predominantly cultivated in the Thracian Lowlands, particularly around the towns of Perushtitsa and Asenovgrad. Other notable areas include Stara Zagora, Chirpan, and Pazardzhik. A rumor among viticulturists suggests that Mavrud may be an ancient clone of the Mourvedre grape, brought to Bulgaria by the Romans. The vineyards producing Mavrud are often situated in the north of the picturesque Rhodope Mountains. In recent years, cultivation has expanded to the Sakar, Melnik, and Eastern Rhodope regions, with the highest concentration of vineyards remaining in its birthplace, the Plovdiv region, particularly around Asenovgrad and the surrounding areas of Stara Zagora and Pomorie. Bulgarian consumers highly prize Mavrud wine, creating substantial demand for this unique varietal.

Synonyms

Mavrud is also known by the synonyms Mavroudi and Mavroud.

Viticulture and Vinification

Mavrud grapes are not resistant to low temperatures, thriving best in Bulgaria's warmer regions with deep, fresh alluvial soils where cold weather poses less of a threat. The grapes reach optimal maturity in stainless steel and oxidative vessels. Mavrud requires dry, warm, and prolonged autumns to fully ripen but shows resistance to grey rot and is not particularly susceptible to oidium. Despite its resilience in certain conditions, the variety's vulnerability to weather changes necessitates careful vineyard management.

Characteristics of Mavrud Wine

Wines crafted from Mavrud grapes are noted for their high tannin and acidity levels, offering a palate rich with flavors of stewed fruit and a glycerol mouthfeel. They often display herbal notes, lending a therapeutic quality to the wine. Mavrud wines are full of character and depth, yet it is challenging to find pure Mavrud wines as plantations in Bulgaria are diminishing in favor of more internationally recognized varieties. In Greece, Mavrud is typically blended with local varieties such as Mavrotragano, Limnio, and Agiorgitiko.

Mavrud wines exhibit a very dark ruby color and an alluring aroma of mulberry, prune, and blackberry. These wines develop complexity and strength when aged in oak, resulting in a dense, full-bodied taste with a harmonious and robust aroma.

Wine Tasting

We've chosen two wines to illustrate the depth, versatility, and historical significance of Mavrud, providing a comprehensive and enriching tasting experience.

  • Edoardo Miroglio Mavrud Reserve 2019: A sophisticated wine aged for a minimum of 24 months in Bulgarian oak barriques (500L), followed by at least 6 months of bottle aging, with an intense red color with captivating brownish hues. The nose is attractively complex, offering a rich bouquet dominated by ripe cherries. These fruity notes are complemented by earthy undertones of mushrooms, dry leaves and subtle hints of walnuts and a delicate smokiness. On the palate, this wine delivers a full and supple body, characterized by its rich, soft tannins. The structure is excellent, demonstrating significant complexity. The finish is long and memorable.
Edoardo Miroglio Winery Mavrud 2019
  • Katarzyna Estate Mavrud 2022: A beautifully balanced wine, with its deep red color adorned with elegant violet shades. On the nose, this wine presents a harmonious blend of red and black fruits, intertwined with enticing spices and the subtle influence of noble French oak. The palate is treated to a juicy and moderate body, exuding incredible elegance and balance. The flavor profile mirrors the aromatic notes perfectly, with the rich fruitiness and spice seamlessly integrated with the oak. The finish is fine and long-lasting.
Katarzyna Estate Mavrud 2022

Conclusion

Mavrud stands as a testament to Bulgaria's rich winemaking tradition, offering wines that are both historically significant and uniquely flavorful. Its deep color, complex aromas, and robust taste make Mavrud an exceptional grape variety, deserving of recognition and appreciation. Despite challenges in its cultivation and competition from more widely known grape varieties, Mavrud remains a cherished and integral part of Bulgarian viticulture, symbolizing the resilience and cultural heritage of the region.

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