Zagreus Winery in the Thracian Valley have been producing some of Bulgaria's best wines since their first vintage in 2004. 3rd generation winemaker Dimitar Kostadinov is now at the helm, and under his stewardship the estate has moved to dry-farming and organic certification. Dimitar is always experimenting with new cuvées and techniques to convey the wonderful Thracian Valley grape varieties and terroir, while also continuing production of the family's high-quality 'classic' wines.

The Thracian Valley wine region, located in southern Bulgaria, is one of the country’s most historic and prolific viticultural areas. Sheltered by the Balkan Mountains to the north and influenced by the warm Aegean winds from the south, the region enjoys a continental climate with long, hot summers and mild autumns—ideal for slow, even ripening of grapes. Rainfall is moderate, with most precipitation occurring in spring, helping to support healthy vine growth.

Soils in the Thracian Valley are diverse, ranging from fertile alluvial deposits near rivers to well-drained sandy loams and limestone-rich terrains that add structure and minerality to wines. This variety enables a broad range of grape cultivation, from local to international varieties.

Indigenous grapes such as Mavrud, Rubin, and Pamid thrive here, producing deeply coloured reds with rich tannins and dark fruit flavours. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also widely planted, yielding bold, expressive wines. Whites, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, display fresh acidity and aromatic intensity.

Wine styles range from powerful, oak-aged reds with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice to crisp, floral whites and rosés. The Thracian Valley’s combination of climate, soils, and heritage gives its wines both a distinctive identity and broad international appeal.

Sauvignon Blanc is a highly aromatic white grape variety that originated in the Loire Valley of France, where it still thrives in appellations like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Its name is derived from the French words sauvage (wild) and blanc (white), reflecting its vigorous growth and bright, zesty character.

Viticulturally, Sauvignon Blanc is an early-ripening variety that prefers cooler climates, where it retains its hallmark acidity and intense aromatics. It is sensitive to terroir, with soil and climate having a strong influence on flavour expression. The grape is prone to high yields and requires careful canopy management to preserve fruit quality and aromatic intensity.

Today, Sauvignon Blanc is grown globally, with significant plantings in France, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, the United States (notably California), and Australia. New Zealand’s Marlborough region has become especially renowned for producing vibrant, intensely aromatic examples.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and lively flavours, typically showcasing notes of gooseberry, green apple, lime, passion fruit, and fresh herbs. In cooler regions, it leans towards grassy and citrusy, while warmer climates bring out tropical fruit. Styles range from unoaked and fresh to barrel-aged and textural, and it’s also used in sweet wines, such as Sauternes when blended with Sémillon.