Mavrud grapes
Mavrud is a grape which produces red wine and is used for varietal wines and as a blending grape, belonging to the Bulgarian region of Thrace.
It is among the oldest and superior red wine grape of Bulgaria considered to be having the highest significance in the winemaking culture of the country.
Origin and history of Mavrud
According to the legends, all the vineyards were ordered to be destroyed during the supremacy of Bulgarian Khan Krum. Soon after a lion ran away from its cage and the city was terrorized.
Anyhow, a brave man referred to as Mavrud tackled and slayed the lion. The king sent for Mavrud’s mother to know about the cause of such bravery. She replied that she had saved a grape vine secretly, produced wine and this was the source of the courage of Mavrud.
Khan Krum immediately ordered for the re-plantation of vineyards. The Greek translation of the word Mavro means black and the deep color of the wine clearly illustrates this.
Regions where Mavrud is grown
Considered as one of the highly respected local wines, the vineyards of Mavrud are mainly grown around Perushtitsa and Asenovgrad, in addition to rare places such as Stara Zagora, Chirpan and Pazardzhik.
There was a rumor spread among the grape cultivators that this grape might be an old clone of the grape Mourvedre, brought by the Romans in Bulgaria.
Used to produce a soft-tasting and deep ruby-colored wine, Mavrud grapes are exclusively cultivated in a small region in the north of the alluring Rhodope Mountains.
Recently, the cultivation of Mavrud is successfully carried out in the Sakar, Melnik and Eastern Rhodope region. The maximum concentrations of the vineyards of Mavrud are in its place of origin – the Plovdiv region, particularly around the Asenovgard and also in regions of Stara Zagora and Pomorie. The Bulgarians proffer the wine and there is huge demand for it.
Synonyms
The synonyms of Mavrud include Mavroudi and Mavroud.
The grapes are themselves spherical and small with tough and thick skin. The grapes harvest in the end of October in the region of Plovdiv.
All these features lead to a fruity and spicy varietal with high amount of tannins, distinguished maturing capacity, excellent acidity, local character and applauded for good quality.
Probably Mavrud is the most worthy local variety of grapes. Bulgarians are very proud of Mavrud and dynamically search for this variety of grape wine in the market.
Viticulture and vinification
This grape variety is not resistant to low temperature. Therefore, this grape survives perfectly in the warmer regions of Bulgaria with fresh and deep alluvial soils, where there is no threat of chilling weather.
The maturity of the wine takes place perfectly in the stainless steel and oxidable vessels. The changes in the weather are among the vulnerable sides of this grape variety.
Mavrud requires dry, warm and long autumn to ripen completely. On the contrary, it shows resistance to grey rotting and is not susceptible to odium.
Characteristics of Mavrud wine
The wines produced from this grape are high in tannins and acidity with plenty of flavors of stewed-fruit on the palate providing a mouth-feel of glycerol. It also exhibits herbal properties, providing the wine a therapeutic finish.
It is undoubtedly full of character. It is really difficult to obtain the pure form of Mavrud. The plantations are decreasing in Bulgaria in accordance to the more familiar Merlot, Sauvignon and Cabernet, while in Greece it is typically blended with brands like Mavrotragano, Limnio and Agiorgitiko.
The wines produced from Mavrud show a very dark ruby color and a pleasing aroma of mulberry, prune and blackberry. Mavrud wines grow completely when kept in touch with oak wood and obtain a complex and strong aroma, enhanced by harmonious, dense and full-bodied taste.
Michael Bredahl
Wine Writer
Michael is an online enthusiast, with a lot of knowledge about online marketing. Traveling around the world to hunt for the perfect wine. Latest on Sicily, where Etna has a huge impact on the taste, which is strong with a bitter aftertaste for the youngest wines, but older wines are fantastic. Drinking wine, and writing about them, are one the passions. Remember to drink responsibly 🙂
Are you a Copywriter?
We have a lot of articles without much content, if you can do it better, you are welcome to write a nice article, and get the proper credit for that. Read more information about beeing an author, and Contact us for more information.
0 Comments