Terroir
Belogradchik Rocks, Vidin Province, Northwest Bulgaria
Bulgaria is relatively small, occupying a space of about 43,000 square mile, approximately the US size of Virginia.
It is situated in the center of the Balkan Peninsula. Its eastern border is formed by the Black Sea, with neighboring countries Turkey and Greece to the South, the Republic of North Macedonia and Serbia to the west, and Romania to the north, with the northern border formed by the Danube River.
Topography & Climate
Uniquely positioned at the confluence of Mediterranean, Oceanic and Continental air masses. The central Balkan Mountains act as a barrier, preventing cool air from moving south. Because of this, the north enjoys 7.9 inches more rain per year than the south on average, and is 1.8F degrees cooler. Precipitation widely varies throughout the country, with notably more precipitation in the west when the rain clouds hit the mountains. Plovdiv, a major hub in the south and Bulgaria's 2nd largest city receives 21 inches per year on average.
In general, most of the vineyard land would be characterized as warm continental, with only the plantings near the Black Sea enjoying the moderating effect of the water and a more temperate climate.
The mountain ranges play a large role in the various microclimates. The Balkans in the center act as a barrier from cooler northern air. The Rila-Rhodopes in the southwest are important to the climate and offer a rain shadow and also allow for higher temperatures due to more localized air.
Plovdiv Province, Thracian Valley, Central Bulgaria