# Vineyards Selection Tenevo (2016)

- **Producer:** Villa Yambol
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Thracian Lowlands, Bulgaria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, forest floor, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Vineyards Selection is the micro-terroir collector's series from Villa Yambol, one of Bulgaria's oldest and most respected estates, established in 1924. This premium red blend comes from the Tenevo micro-region in the pristine Tundzha River Valley. The vineyards, planted in 2005, are uniquely arranged according to a 'Wind Rose' compass layout to map air currents, protecting the vines from frost while utilizing cooling sea breezes to preserve natural acidity. The 2016 vintage represents a historic milestone for the estate, achieving critical domestic acclaim and demonstrating the potential of Bulgarian terroir to produce elegant, structurally complex Bordeaux-style blends with moderate alcohol.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyards are planted in a 'Wind Rose' compass layout to harness cooling sea breezes and protect against frost.
- Villa Yambol operates its own cooperage, crafting local Bulgarian oak barrels alongside classic French barriques.
- This 2016 vintage ranked #5 in the DiVino TOP 50 Best Bulgarian Wines, scoring 91 points.

## Food pairing

This structured, medium-bodied red blend benefits from rich, protein-heavy dishes that can soften its medium-plus tannins. The wine's fresh acidity cuts through fat, while its savory, dark fruit and sweet spice notes complement roasted meats, game, and earthy, mature cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes were hand-harvested from early September through mid-October in small custom crates to prevent bruising. Vinification took place in small-capacity open-top fermentation vats and micro-fermenters, including traditional open fermentation in barrels crafted from local Bulgarian oak. To balance structure and fresh fruit character, 65% of the blend was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, while the remaining 35% was kept in inert vessels to preserve the vibrant primary cherry and red pepper characteristics.