We began during a tempestuous and contrary time for Bulgaria, and it turned out that our roots went deeper than we could have guessed. That fact is why, when we look back, we can see we are still creating the philosophy of our work. Most important to that philosophy is the connection between the centuries-old tradition and our own creation, with learning from our own mistakes, and with pride in the achievements. These principles guide us every day; they define our behaviours and mark our growth. The care for the vineyards is the priority for Mr. Yuliyan Yamantiev. The young vine plants were began after the realization that we needed a correction in the variety composition of the vineyards, the change in the terroir, and the necessity to keep up with the global trends in vineyard care and winemaking. Thus the unthought-of and provocative vines of the varieties Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Traminer, Vionie, Alicante bushe and Muskato Bianco appeared in Ivaylovgrad. When they joined the more traditional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, our palette was complete and satisfactory to even the most demanding connoisseurs.
We have grown young vines, called by Mr. Yamantiev young soldiers at above-the-sea elevation of up to 400 m and we placed them into the healthy soil of the marble land. These turned into the wines of the series Marble Land and their preceding reserves Stone Lake. To reach the ideal fruit for our wines, the vine carers do not stop working the year round. Each vine, each of our messengers must receive the necessary education and preparation in order to give the best of itself. The care for the vines is similar to the care for any human being and we believe that through the wines, we realize a part of the universal plan of the Divine Creator.
Mrs. Ivana Yamantieva’s soul for the work is a gift. She is the person who puts her talent, love, and spirit into the wine. She raises – and that is exactly the word – raises the wine. She conducts and controls its birth, she assists through each stage of its development. She corrects its stormy and inconstant character after birth. She carefully observes and carries out all the necessary practices in case of symptoms of a disease. She assists and cultures the young wine, leads it to its destination and realization. And, finally, she gives it a drop of her immense love for the world around her. That drop supports it and sparkles in your glasses in ordinary and special days. In any moment, joyful, celebratory, or sad, trying Mrs. Ivana Yamantieva’s wines will make you feel warm and loved.
Thus was born the series Villa Armira – home of the people from centuries, storing the joy, the laughter, the sadness, and the pain of generations past, telling about grandeur and talented craftsmen.
The future is in the hands of the young Elena Yamantieva – here the philosophy will find its perpetuation. So far, her management education in distant Switzerland is valued, and whether the children will turn Bulgaria in the Switzerland of the Balkans, only time will tell, and until then…
Cheers! With the wines of the Yamantievs – Ivaylovgrad