Study on the quality of wines produced from ‘Syrah’ and ‘Tempranillo’ cultivars planted in two microregions in Southern Bulgaria

In the period 2006-2008 a comparative study was carried out on the ‘Tempranillo’, ‘Syrah 99’ and ‘Syrah 100’ cultivars, grown in two microregions in Southern Bulgaria - Brestnik and Pesnopoy. The soils in the region of Pesnopoy are of a better mechanical and chemical composition, which preconditions the formation of relatively high yields of good quality grapes. The ‘Tempranillo’ cultivar was highly productive in both microregions, however the quality of the wines was lower, compared to the ‘Syrah’ cultivar. They were poorer both in the content of extract and in fruit aroma. ‘Syrah 99’ from Brestnik and ‘Syrah 100’ clones from Pesnopoy do not differ significantly in productivity, but the wines of ‘Syrah 100’ from the Pesnopoy region were more intense in colour and their aroma was strong, full-bodied and lasting with dominating floral (violet) and forest fruit nuances. Tasting results showed high scores, which is evidence that the young wines have potential and contain the ingredients and components necessary to develop further into top quality red wines.