WTN: 2007 Terra Antika Mavrud

$15.95 at Vintages. Solid, high-quality natural cork closure.

13% alc./vol. Very attractive dark, but clear, cherry-ruby colour. Open, carbonic-maceration-inspired bing-cherry nose; forwardly fruity and clean. An appetizing aroma that's wholly fruit-driven. Fine acidity and tannin on the entry; crisp and clean, a bit lively, even. Nicely structured, though clearly made for short-term consumption. Warm on the mid-palate, with pleasant grainy tannins that are not too gruff. Chalky astringency toward the finish; a tiny bit off-dry.

This went very nicely with the grilled elk steaks I made earlier in the day.

Mavrud is an indigenous Bulgarian variety. It is great to see wines such as this, though it would be even nicer to see some sterner, more ageworthy examples made in older barrels (with a small percentage of new oak). As far as my senses tell me, there is no oak in this particular Mavrud.

[David M. Bueker]

That's a completely new one for me! Good to see you around Paul.

Thanks David.

Mavrud, Gamza, Melnik ... Bulgaria's got 'em!

I've believed in the potential of Central- and Eastern-European vinifera for years. Believe me, I grab 'em when I see 'em, though they don't appear in our market all that often.