2023 Bononia Estate "Gomotartzi" Red, Danubian Plains, Bulgaria

Medium ruby color displaying youthful clarity and vibrancy in the glass. A lifted, aromatic nose with red currant, sour cherry and wild raspberry from the Gamza component, layered with subtle herbal tones and graphite from the Cabernet Franc. Hints of violets, crushed pepper and a touch of damp earth give it a distinctly cool-climate character. Light- to medium-bodied with bright acidity and silky tannins. The red fruit core is fresh and juicy - think pomegranate, cranberry and tart cherry - balanced by the savory edge of dried herbs, black tea and a hint of green bell pepper. The Cabernet Franc adds structure and depth without overpowering the delicate nature of Gamza. Charming and food friendly, serve slightly chilled with roasted poultry, grilled vegetables or soft-rind cheeses.

60% Gamza and 40% Cabernet Franc

Also known as Kadarka elsewhere in the Balkans, Gamza (supple and indigenous)has been around since antiquity and is grown mostly in Northwest Bulgaria. This autochthonous grape has thin skins, so is prone to rot and mold and must be planted in windy and hilly areas where the grapes will be dried and the air will not be as humid. This is why it is perfectly suited to the area around Vidin where Bononia lies. Gamza wines are medium-bodied, fresh and lively, with low to medium tannin levels. Stylistically, they are often compared to Cru Beaujolais or Oregon Pinot Noir.

Nestled along the banks of the Danube River near Koshava, Bononia Estate is a premium family-owned winery and luxury complex, on the site of a historic 1895 brewery, named for the ancient Roman Fortress that occupied the spot now known as the town of Vidin, where Roman armies brought vines for the cultivation of wine grapes. After careful soil analysis, the area was replanted to grape in 2013. The estate itself features 22 individually designed, luxurious rooms, a fine-dining restaurant with river views, and extensive wine tourism experiences, including tastings in their preserved historic, underground enoteca, spa services, and boat tours.

The Danubian Plain appellation is a moderate to cool region, with warm, dry days and cold evenings during the growing season. This large diurnal shift, coupled with breezes from the Danube, allows for ecological viticulture. Utilizing organic practices in tandem with technological advances and a keen eye for sustainability, Bononia Estate crafts nervy, fruit-forward and balanced wines, focusing on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and the exciting, vibrant, autochthonous local varietal, Gamza. Bulgarian wine has long been eschewed by “serious” wine drinkers as cheap, cheerful and forgettable. However, Bononia is part of the modern landscape of Bulgarian winemaking, with a focus on fine wines as opposed to bulk production, and the wine world is beginning to take notice! The Estate made the World's Best Vineyards TOP 100 list in 2024.

Bononia is an impressive operation located at the biggest turn in the Danube. It’s owned by the Yotov family, and wine is their passion. They started out making parts for the aviation industry, hence the logo, which is a propellor. Their company is called Jotov & Son, and their speciality is defence-related products. Business has clearly been good, as evidenced by the immaculate modern winery and the large hotel on the property, which is in the main building that dates back to 1895.