The exciting journey of Balar began in 2006 with an extensive research into local soil types and terroir in order to select the perfect spot for the vineyards near Skalitsa, Yambol (Southeast Bulgaria). The winery is in the immediate vicinity of the vineyards, which ensures the qualitative characteristics of the grapes from the beginning of the vinification process. The winery’s capacity is 50 tonnes of grapes per annum. It is not aiming to expand production, but rather to remain focused on producing limited edition terroir wines of a prominent character.
In ancient Bulgarian language “balar” means “a wise, educated man”. One dimension of this wisdom is staying true to the grape character, which the Thracian Valley has bestowed upon us. Balar applies low interference vineyard practices and deliberately reduces the amount of harvested grape to help the vineyard to fulfil its full potential.
The winery has 130 decares (13 hectares) of own vineyards. A unique combination of natural and technological factors serve as an excellent basis for the production of rich, aromatic and memorable wines: inclination of the land, good soil permeability, high proportion of sunny days in a year, and natural protection of the region from the northern winds.
The grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are elegantly blended with the supporting varieties Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carménère and Tempranillo to produce the exclusive “K” red wines. The terroir, as well as the deliberately reduced harvest of 400-450kg per decare, are an excellent basis for a harmonious flavour with a warm character and tempting velvety smoothness.
Balar Winery has patented a technology for vitalisation of wine with music as well as the wine produced in that way. The 2013 and 2016 vintages of vitalised red wine from a Merlot – Petit Verdot blend are a result of the continuous exposure of wine to classical music that is played directly into the wine while it ages in barrels. The result is enriched wine with intensified qualities and an enhanced beneficial impact on the human body.
The grapes Gewürztraminer and Muscat Ottonel are in the heart of the white dry wines Balarina which have well pronounced sweet aroma of muscat and gentle white flowers and a complex flavour of citrus, lychee and roses. The rose Balarina is crafted from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes and possessed a powerful apple and wild berries aroma and an excellently rounded flavour with a pleasant sweetness of citrus and lychee.
Winemaker Diana Stoyanova is in the centre of the quality and irreplicable uniqueness of Balar’s concept, while Mariana Varbanova, one of Balar’s ten co-owners, manages the promotion of the winery.
