Dragomir Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Rubin 2019, Dragomir Winery Estate, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria

Vineyard: village of Gorno Belovo; the Southern oblique slopes of Chirpan Hills; 280 – 320 m above sea level; Soils are calcareous and chromic cambisols;
Varietal:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – 60%;
- Merlot – 40%

Vineyard age: 9 years (planted in 2003)

Density of vine plantations per hectare: 3490 vines/hectare (2.60/1.10m)
Grape harvesting: 09.09.2013 for Merlot; 27.09.2013 for Cabernet Sauvignon
Upon reaching optimal processing ripeness, grapes were picked up by hand and placed in small crates (11-13 kg)
The picked up grapes were brought into the winery cellar where it stayed for 18 hours in a refrigeration chamber at 6°С.
Fermentation: Grapes were carefully sorted out by removing all unfit grapes. After destemming the clusters, the grape pulp was positioned for fermentation in stainless steel containers. Initially a cold maceration was carried out for 8 days at t=8-11°С. Alc. fermentation – 10-12 days (at t=28-31°С) and post fermentation infusion with solid particles for 12-14 days.
Malolactic fermentation took about 20 days in new French oak barrels with capacity of 225l.

Maturation: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines were let to age separately for 18 months in new French oak barrels with capacity of 225l. The barrels were made by different producers and had been toasted to a different degree.