Midalidare Premium Selection
The idea
Our initial concept did not include other wines under this brand but aim to present the pure terroir expression of the variety from selected grapes with the best quality in the mid-price range. We chose Sauvignon Blanc because this is the variety that first showed more than excellent performance in Mogilovo. But a good idea can always become even more successful if it is developed. Especially at Midalidare, where we are not afraid of challenges and love to learn new things.
The year is 2014 and the winegrowing team is expecting exceptional harvest of Sauvignon Blanc due to excellent development of the vines. The new plantations are growing perfectly, as well, indicating beautiful future wines. Midalidare is taking a position among the best producers of this variety, and Silver Angel is already one of the most famous wines on the market in its class. All this gives the winemakers reason to proceed with the creation of a high-quality Sauvignon Blanc that will reveal the best of the Shipkata terroir - the most cursed and most blessed vineyard in Mogilovo.
Thus was born Midalidare Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc - a pure terroir expression of the variety from selected grapes with the best quality at an affordable price. Since the first 2014 harvest, the wine has impressed with its magnificent grassy-herbal aromas, intense citrus sensation and a gorgeous mineral finish. Today, 11 years after its introduction to the market, this Sauvignon has an unchanged style and an increasingly intense, memorable profile.
Along with the Sauvignon Blanc, our Malbec and Syrah vineyards, grown on the Dabovets vineyard, are also developing wonderfully. Both varieties are from specially selected clones with a view to the specifics of the terroir and stood out with the first 2009 harvest. For 9 years, Midalidare's Syrah wines have won 13 gold and 8 silver medals from local and international competitions, and Malbec, in addition to 3 gold and the same number of silvers, is Bulgaria's #2 wine for 2020.
Our Merlot from the Karaliets vineyard also gives excellent results. Although a bit “out of fashion” for varietal wines in recent years, it is complex and versatile – it can produce light and fruity wines or lush and aged icons. In a blend, it softens more tannic wines and adds a luxurious fruity aroma. There is a reason why it is the main one for the world-renowned Bordeaux, Super Tuscany and California blends. It is the same in Midalidare, and not only for our premium wines, but also for those in the middle price range.
For a long time, our winemakers and winegrowers have been searching for a new, interesting black variety in order to diversify and enrich the portfolio. Due to the specific climate conditions and soil profile in Mogilovo, late-ripening local and international varieties that require more heat and a longer season are not suitable. Based on Midalidare’s winemaking philosophy, which is based on the principle of creating only the best given the natural features, and on observations of the development of other varieties, the team settled on the Tannat variety. Although quite similar to Malbec, Tannat has different requirements for climate and soil, which is why it finds its place in the lower western zone of the Karaliets vineyard. The very first harvest – 2022, indicated of excellent future development.
Thus was born the idea to turn “Premium Selection” into a series and to show the characteristics of the varieties and their specificities on the terroir of Mogilovo village. We chose to implement it with two red blends, proven in the world winemaking as synergistic combinations between the varieties – Tanat and Merlot from the Karaliets vineyard and Malbec and Syrah from the Dabovets vineyard. Two wines in which the varieties not only complement each other, but also express our winemaking philosophy: the best we can create from what we have as a natural gift; the most suitable varieties for the Mogilovo terroir; focus on the individual characteristics of the vineyards; a combination of traditional and innovative viticulture and winemaking and attention to every detail.
The wines
Midalidare Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc
- Selected high-quality grapes
- Machine and manual harvest
- Stainless-steel fermentation
- Ageing on the lees
- Colour: Clean, pale lemon-green
- Nose: Citrus fruits (lemon), tropical fruits (passionfruit), herbaceous (grass, nettle)
- Palate: Dry white wine with high acidity, medium alcohol, light body, pronounces flavour intensity with primary characteristics, long finish
- Wine & food pairing: Asian cuisine, vegetable dishes, fresh salads, light fish and chicken
- Serving: Serve at 7-10°С in Sauvignon Blanc glass
Midalidare Premium Selection Malbec & Syrah
- Selected high-quality grapes
- Machine and manual harvest
- Oak and stainless-steel fermentation
- Post-maceration
- Ageing for 10-12 months in French oak barriques
- Colour: Clean, medium ruby
- Nose: Ripe red fruits (cherry, plum), black fruits (blueberry), spices (black pepper); smoke, oak, vanilla, chocolate; dried fruits, jamon
- Palate: Complex dry red wine with high acidity, medium tannin, high alcohol, medium to full body, pronounces flavour intensity with primary, secondary and tertiary characteristics, long finish
- Wine & food pairing: Lean white and red meat (pork, veal, duck), mature cheese, spicy food, charcuterie or sweet-salty Asian cuisine
- Serving: Serve at 16-18°С in Syrah Old World glass
Midalidare Premium Selection Tannat & Merlot
- Selected high-quality grapes
- Machine and manual harvest
- Oak and stainless-steel fermentation
- Post-maceration
- Ageing for 10-12 months in French oak barriques
- Colour: Clean, deep ruby
- Nose: Първични – black fruits (blueberry, blackberry), ripe red fruits (cherry), spices (black pepper); smoke, oak, vanilla; dried fruits (raisins)
- Palate: Complex dry red wine with high acidity, high tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounces flavour intensity with primary, secondary and tertiary characteristics, long finish
- Wine & food pairing: Red meat (beef, veal, duck), soft to medium-hard cheeses, dried meat
- Serving: Serve at 16-18°С in Cabernet/Merlot or Bordeaux glass
Sauvignon Blanc on Shipkata vineyard
The specific climate conditions and soil composition of the Shipkata are the main "culprits". Located in a kind of a kettle, on the path of northern air currents, the vineyard offers a unique terroir for Sauvignon Blanc - a variety that loves cool climate and low humidity. The altitude, the lowest of all the vineyards of Midalidare, and the location of Shipkata are a prerequisite for spring frosts due to the prolonged retention of cold air above the plantations. At the same time, during the season, they provide enormous advantages by maintaining lower temperatures and the constant presence of a light wind, which balances the humidity and prevents the accumulation of too much water content in the foliage. The alluvial soils are rich in clay and sediments and contain high amount of carbonates, and the carbonates are responsible for the minerality of the wine - an exceptional soil composition for growing white grape varieties and especially for the more aromatic ones such as Sauvignon Blanc. In combination with the extremely high temperature amplitudes, especially in the ripening phase, these natural features are essential for the future aromatic profile of the wine. The design of the vineyards is also in line with the terroir - the orientation of the plantations is East-West, in order to protect the grapes from the strong radiation of the afternoon summer sun, without changing - due to direct exposure - the aromatic concentration in the grape skins.
Tannat and Merlot on Karaliets vineyard
The blend of Tanat with Merlot is a classic, world-famous and one of the mainstays in both Uruguay and Southwestern France. Known as the "Best of Both Worlds Synergy", Tanat provides rich color, high tannin and structure (often with notes of black fruit and spice), while Merlot adds softness, roundness and lush fruit, making the wine more approachable even in its youth. The blend is particularly popular in the Wine & Dine culture because it pairs well with a wide range of dishes - grilled, roasted or braised white and red meats such as beef, lamb and pork; braised pork knuckle, filet mignon burger, spiced lamb skewers; game, duck confit and game casseroles; aged and hard cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, camembert; black bean burgers, baked vegetables.
The Karaliets vineyard is located in the higher part of the valley, East of Shipkata, at an altitude of 300-320 meters above sea level and about 6% slope. The soils are alluvial, medium to low sandy, with a high content of clay This type of soil is excellent for viticulture due to its ability to retain water and nutrients, which contributes to the constant growth of the plantations, especially in dry or hot climates. The sandy layers provide the much-needed drainage and prevent waterlogging of the root system. The planting material is tailored to the clay profile and the vines are on stable supports with a deep root system. The vineyards are designed entirely with a Southern exposure. the Tannat vines are located in the lower, western part of the vineyard, where cooler air is retained and the northern air currents provide ventilation of the plantations all year round. The eastern, higher and warmer areas of the vineyard are designated for Merlot. The large temperature amplitudes and the ratio between sunshine and precipitation provide both varieties with the necessary conditions for excellent development and optimal acid content in the grapes - a necessary condition for the aging potential of the wines.
Malbec and Syrah on Dabovets vineyard
The Malbec and Syrah blend is very popular in Argentina, and is also used in Australia, the United States and some parts of Europe. It produces intense and full-bodied wines, where the Syrah balances the aromatic profile of the Malbec, adding sumptuous notes of black berries and spices. The juicy, soft tannins of the Malbec are enhanced by the powerful structure of the Syrah. The wines are very suitable in food pairing with heavier and more aromatic dishes such as beef steaks (Ribeye), grilled lamb chops, game or aged cheeses such as blue cheese, Cheddar or Gouda, but also go well with white meats, aromatic pasta or spicy pizza.
The Dabovets vineyard is located to the Northeast above the eastern winery and brightens the panorama with its specific red clay soils. It is located on hilly terrain with a 10% slope and an altitude of 360-400 meters. As the highest vineyard in Midalidare, Dabovets benefits from more than 2800 hours of sunshine per year and more than 100 clear days per year. The temperature amplitudes are large, but the altitude prevents the vines from spring frosts. In addition, since 2015 the vineyard has been switching to organic viticulture and in 2018 it was officially certified for organic grapes production.
Malbec and Syrah are planted South-facing with East-West orientation on adjacent blocks in the Eastern part of the vineyard, where the soils are clayey with a specific red color, due to the high content of iron oxides. In soil science, these soils are referred to as red earths and compared to typical clays, have excellent drainage, further enhanced on Dabovets due to the natural drainage of water along the steep terrain.