Tsarev Brod Winery is based in the village of Tsarev Brod in the Shumen region of north-eastern Bulgaria, between the ancient capitals Pliska and Veliki Preslav.

Founded in 2001 by Ivan Ivanov and his family, the estate has planted roughly 27 hectares of vines and built a cellar adjacent to the vineyards to ensure gentle handling of grapes.

The winery’s vineyards sit on fertile soils of the Danubian Plain with a temperate continental climate marked by hot summers and plenty of sunshine — ideal for ripening aromatic varieties.

Tsarev Brod produces a broad range of wines from both white and red varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Traminer, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and local crosses alongside Pinot Gris.

The Danube Plain is a large wine region covering northern Bulgaria, stretching from the foothills of the Balkan Mountains to the banks of the Danube River. The landscape is mostly flat or gently rolling, and the climate is continental, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The Danube and its tributaries play an important moderating role, helping to reduce temperature extremes and extending the growing season. However, summer drought and occasional spring frost are common viticultural challenges and, depending upon the varietal planted, can require careful vineyard management.

The soils are predominantly loess and chernozem (black earth), rich in nutrients and capable of retaining water, although there are also areas of sandy and clayey soils that provide good drainage and lower vigour. This diversity allows a wide range of grape varieties to flourish.

Both local and international grapes are planted. Indigenous reds such as Gamza and Rubin perform well, alongside Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Among the whites, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and the local Dimyat are important. Key growing areas include Vidin, Pleven and Ruse.

Pinot Gris is a white grape variety originating from France, where it is most famously grown in Alsace. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir and is also known internationally as Pinot Grigio in Italy, where it is typically made in a lighter, crisper style. Despite its name, the grape has a pinkish-grey skin, which can give wines a slightly golden hue.

Pinot Gris is now grown in many cool to moderate climate regions across the world, including New Zealand, Germany (as Grauburgunder), Oregon, Australia, and increasingly in the UK. The style varies widely depending on the region and winemaking approach - from dry and zesty to rich, off-dry or even late-harvest expressions.

Aromatically, Pinot Gris tends to show notes of pear, apple, peach, and citrus, with hints of honeysuckle, spice, and sometimes a touch of smoke or nuttiness. In Alsace, it can produce full-bodied wines with texture and ageing potential, while Italian Pinot Grigio is typically light and fresh.

Viticulturally, Pinot Gris is an early-ripening variety, but it can be sensitive to disease and rot due to its thin skins and compact bunches. It requires careful canopy management and monitoring to maintain acidity and avoid over-ripeness, particularly in warmer climates.