1. Tenio Latev
So enchanted was Homer that a heavy, black, sweet wine from Thrace was mentioned in
Iliad. Viticulture continued to thrive under the First and Second Bulgarian Empire (681-1018;
1185-1396), until the Ottoman rulers enforced a ban on wine from 1396-1878, during which
production shifted from vitis vinifera to table grapes. The Viticultural Great Purge In the 60s,
Bulgaria’s wine industry was modernized with state-of-the-art Soviet facilities, producing
huge amount of proletariat wine good for comrades across the Warsaw Pact. In terms of
wine export (by volume), Bulgaria was second only to mighty France in 1989. Then came the
Great Purge, initiated not by the long expired Joseph Stalin (1878-1953), but by the last
leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev (1931-), who vowed to combat alcoholism. Made with
100% Muscat Ottonel, the lightest of the Muscat family (comprising a staggering 200+ sub-
varieties), this golden-green wine has an alluringly floral nose highlighted by geranium.
Highly fragrant, raisin, honey, and musk flavours are supported by crispy minerality. Rounded
and nicely balanced, the finish is satisfyingly persistent. Lovico Gamza Reserve 2009 The
town of Suhindol is part of the northern Danubian Plain region, wherein temperate continental
climate guarantees hot and sunny summers. This is the only region in Bulgaria where Gamza
is produced; otherwise known as Kadarka, this Eastern European variety has received much
acclaim, thanks to Hungary’s iconic wine - Egri Bikavér (literally Bull’s Blood of Eger). Deep
ruby in colour with garnet glow, aromas of cherry and red berries are supported by lively
acidity and tasty tannin. Remarkably powerful for a medium-bodied wine, it is well-structured,
with mineral nuances and a long finish. Saint Ilia Estate Merlot & Mavrud 2008 The southern
Thracian region, indeed the cradle of Bulgarian wine, has a hybrid temperate continental-
Mediterranean climate. Produced only in this region, the time-old Mavrud (from Greek mavro,
meaning “black”) is a small-berried, low-yielding, and late-ripening indigenous variety, as
quintessential to Bulgaria as Touriga Nacional to Portugal. Ruby red in colour with violet tints,
aromas of dark fruits and plum are immediately inviting. Complemented by an array of
flavours on the palate, including forest herbs, fine vanilla, toast, and dry spices, this full-on
wine is paradoxically fresh, warm, and supple. Midalidare Estate Carpe Diem 2011 This is
21st century Bulgarian viticulture in a bottle, an interesting - and utterly international - blend
of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah. Out goes Soviet rustiness, this wine
resembles more of a feminine Left Bank Bordeaux. Bright ruby in colour with garnet hues, its
aromatic nose of red berries, damson, and plum is further supported by vanilla and leather on
the palate. Supple and juicy with fine grained tannin and a clear structure, this is a poised
and very elegant wine. Seize the day (carpe diem, from ancient Roman lyric poet Horace) if
you must, do not overlook its age-worthiness. --- Black Truffle Butter Fine sheep & goat
butter generously imbued with premium Bulgarian black truffle. Add a Midas touch on any
dish. As a rule of thumb, do not use with tomato, lemon, or strong spices. --- CONTACT
Rhyton Co. Ltd. Tenio Latev Director E: tenio@rhyton.hk T: +852 6908 0739 Detailed
information on Tenio Latev can be found at main website.