The Wine Producer: Tipchenitza Winery Region: Danubian Plain, Bulgaria Vintage: 2022 Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Rubin ABV: 14.5% Vol: 750ml Tasting Note Black cherry, black pepper, chocolate and vanilla. The high alcohol provides warmth to the long finish. Food Pairing Pair with grilled red meats, slow-cooked lamb, hearty stews, or aged cheeses — a bold, oak-aged red built for full-flavoured food. The Story Bulgaria’s wine history oscillates between quality and quantity. Winston Churchill’s 10 Downing Street ordered 500 litres of Bulgarian wine annually, though if your reference point is 1990’s Bulgarian wine you might be wondering why. Tipchenitza Winery is part of a new wave of Bulgarian winemakers is determined to set the record straight. Their focus on native varietals, craft production, and sustainability represent the confidence to embrace both past and future. Tipchenitza’s Oak Barrel series is unapologetically bold. Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with a little of the local Rubin variety and aged in ‘first fill’ oak barrels. Sustainability Tipchenitza Winery were early adopters of the lightweight bottle, reducing the environmental impact of transporting wines. They are also members of the Sustainable Wine Round Table.