Tenio Latev

People are often pleasantly shocked by how good value for money Bulgarian products are, be it wine, brandy, grappa, vodka, balsamic vinegar, truffle, or olive oil. In bringing these products to Hong Kong and Macao, one of our core markets, we invite people to discover Bulgarias many hidden gems, as well as our epicurean culture, he explained. Below are but four of the many wines that offer exceptional price-quality ratio, all below the HKD$/MOP$200 mark. Black Sea Gold Muscat 2009 Pomorie has been a seaside resort since the Classical period. The eastern Black Sea region, meanwhile, is home to 30% of all vines - and 50% of all whites - in Bulgaria. Moderated by sea breeze, autumns are long and mild, ideal for grapes to achieve optimum maturation. 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 Hungarys iconic wine - Egri Bikavr (literally Bulls 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. Tenio Latev Director E: tenio@rhyton.hk T: +852 6908 0739 Thorough information about Tenio Latev can be discovered at main website.