Why Cabernet Franc? Winemaker Bratanov explains:  “Cabernet Franc is a relatively new variety for the region of South Sakar. So, we decided to take the risk with less than 3 ha from our own vineyard plot near the village of Shishmanovo. This single vineyard of Cabernet Franc it’s with the biggest content of stones and provide excellent drainage. The soils are sandy-clay and maroon. The vineyard is dry-farmed. Being a late ripening variety, Cabernet Franc benefits a lot from the dry warm summers and nice autumns we usually have in South Sakar, Thracian Valley.  Controlling the yields through pruning up to 30 hl/ha. Harvest is done only by hand in small cassettes. The key point is to focus on producing good grapes and turning them into wine in a way that mostly expresses the nature of South Sakar terroir.”

Private Reserve from Bratanov family winery is made only in exceptionally good years, like it was 2013. This 100% Cabernet Franc aged for 5 years of which 2 years in oak barrels and 3 years in bottle. Wine made with a lot of precision and patience. The result is very fine and elegant at the same time character wine. 

Our tasting notes:

This wine has silky, medium ruby red colour. With well-preserved primary aromas of ripe cherry, ripe forest fruit like raspberry, rood bell papier In result of ageing it has developed also some chocolate, leather, toast, jammy, dried herbs tones. Complex nose and in the same time very enjoyable. In the mouth, with ripe mild tannins and medium body. and intensive flavours of cherry, chocolate, with spicy, earthy hints. Great balance achieved with high acidity and long-lasting smooth finish.

Its ready to drink, but it has potential for further aging 2018 -2025.

    Best with:

canard, veal, pork, stews, baked Goat cheese, cheese – old dry like Pecorino, Grana Padano, Parmigiano