Excellence in harmony with a magnificent terroir, the owner of this vineyard is Vladislav Atanasov, Argentier of the newly reformed Bailliage of Bulgaria.

The spirit of antiquity
The land surrounding the Clos Bibliothèque vineyard cherishes the memory of the 10th century stone library which is the name given by UNESCO to an early Christian monastery nearby where an extraordinary literary life flourished.

Archaeological findings revealed the enormous contribution of the monastery to the emergence of Bulgarian literature during the Golden Age under Tsar Simeon the Great. They also alluded to wine, a sacred drink and key element in the celebration of Christian rituals.

Later historical records dating to 1904 refer to a vineyard at the very same place enclosed by a stone wall and owned by a local nobleman. Moreover, the Bulgarian press at the time described the surroundings of Nevsha as “beautiful fertile vineyards and delightfully exquisite gardens”.

Inspired by the unique spirit of this magical place, the vineyard has been restored to its authentic form with the name Clos Bibliothèque (in French Clos = a vineyard surrounded by a stone wall and Bibliothèque = library).

Magnificent terroir
The concept of terroir refers to the unique interplay of natural factors and human intervention that determines the quality of crops. It encompasses the dynamic and delicate balance between constant factors (soil), variables (climate) and the skilful steering of natural processes by the vine-grower.

The sun’s caress, the light breeze, the local soil and landscape all contribute to the development of the vines. The Clos Bibliothèque vineyard grows on poor limestone soil strewn with millions-of-years-old marine fossils. The vines, famished, sink their roots deep into the ground to absorb the treasured minerals that confer upon Clos Bibliothèque wines distinctive and recognisable notes.

The east-facing exposure means that the vineyard is awoken with the first rays of the sun in the morning and shielded from the heat in the afternoon when temperatures reach their maximum. Its location, centred on the hill, guarantees excellent drainage and aeration of the plants.

The art of vine-growing
Winemaking is an art and a passion. Ever since the vineyard was planted, it has been cultivated organically while we gradually introduce biodynamic methods to improve its ecosystem.

The high planting density, up to 9,200 vines per hectare, is key to achieving the perfect concentration of flavours and aromas that makes the Clos Bibliothèque vineyard unique in Bulgaria. Vine training systems used are Simonit & Sirch for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Gobelet for Syrah and Dimyat. These are the best but are labour intensive.

Yield restriction is another technique focusing on the quality of the fruit rather than on its quantity. Indeed, to make exceptional wine there is a requirement for much more than grape juice, it is an elixir that is needed.

Wine
Every effort invested in the vineyard, the strive for excellence and the will to master the forces of nature lead to the prized result of this whole endeavour: the wine.

After the hard work in the vineyard has been done and the grapes have been harvested, the process moves to the winery. This is where the magic happens and grapes turn into a tantalizing drink worthy of a royal table. It takes knowledge, precision and patience, as well as absolute commitment. In the final phase of ageing, when the Clos Bibliothèque wines come truly to life in that they acquire the ultimate sophisticated touch in the high-quality Burgundy barrels and ceramic amphorae.

The timelessly elegant bottle, with a cork stopper and stylish label, lends grace and contemporary appeal to our reverence for the significance of a historic moment and ancient traditions.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer
Researched from various sources including the Clos Bibliothèque website. E&OE

Clos Bibliothèque
9229 Nevsha

Tel: +359 893 202 033
Web: clos-bibliotheque.com