Many people do not think about Eastern European countries when they think of wine, but I think this will be changing over the next few years. Most countries in the region have been growing grapes for thousands of years and if it was not for communism and very poor agricultural policies many, I think, would have vibrant wine industries. Now 20 years after the collapse of the USSR many of these countries I starting to find their way and are producing some really great value wine.
Most of these countries have really just started to make quality wine so they definitely do not make absolute stunning examples, but I have found they can represent a real bargain for good quality solid wine. This is especially true for true to type international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon. These countries do have many indigenous grapes, but they are difficult to find and have yet to fully realize their full potential.
I would encourage wine fans to give these countries a chance, the prices are very good and are worth discovering. The two wines I have written reviews for here are from Bulgaria and Romania. Both with very impressive not only because of their price, but also because you would never think that these countries could do so well with these grapes. So explore places such as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic you will likely get your money's worth.
Domaine Boyar - Blueridge XR - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2006 - Bulgaria
Domaine Boyar is Bulgaria's first private wine producer and a leader in developing the wine industry within the country. It is now a huge company with shareholders in France and the United States. Unfortunately the English version of their website is not working so the actual information as to how this wine was made is not available, if I can find any more I will post it.
Dark red with a plum red rim. A nice classic Cab nose of dark berries, cassis, cedar, and a pronounced cocoa note. It is medium bodied in the mouth with replays of berries and cocoa. It has drying tannins on the mid-palate and finished light and pleasant with a short bitter berry finish. This wine is very well made and very drinkable. I loved the classic Cab nose, but this wine is much lighter than your traditional Cabernet Sauvignon making it much more easy going and approachable than many renditions. Very well made and real quality for the price and any Cab lover's who want to try a lighter version would really enjoy this. Great value. Very Good.
Chateau Sarati - Pinot Noir - 2005 - Dealu Mare (AOC) - Romania
This wine from Chateau Sarati made by Stephane Montariol and Pierre Degroote is grown on a 175 Ha south-east facing vineyard composed of marl-limestone and is rich in iron deposits in the Dealu Mare of Romania. The wine is harvested by hand and eighty percent of it is aged in French oak barrels for 5-6 months. This wine is only 1 of two the estate makes the other being a Merlot. The winery is known to be committed to organic and sustainable agriculture
Dark ruby red in colour, quite dark for a Pinot. Very subtle nose with notes of ripe red cherry spice and earth. It is smooth round medium bodied in the mouth with notes of juicy sour cherry, hints of earth and sweet fruit core. It is finishes nicely with notes of spice and sweet red fruits. This is really quite impressive for the price. It tastes like a Pinot Noir, which is saying a lot at this price range and has some earthy interest to it as well. It actually drinks better on the second day and really shows off its spicy sour cherry core which is surrounded by earthiness. This will not astound you, but for the price it is a great value well made wine. Good+
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