At a glance

Producer

Silent Meridian

Region

Bulgaria

Grape variety

Mavrud

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Dark berries, leathery notes, hints of spice and tobacco

Evolution: Will develop more complexity with tertiary notes of earth, dried fruit, and forest floor over the next 5-7 years

At peak: Rich and balanced with silky tannins, minerality, and elegant finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high acidity

Tannins

Firm, structured tannins

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

10-15 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2031

Optimal window

2024 to 2034

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Balanced tannins with developing complexity

The wine's firm tannin structure and acidity support extended aging. The 2019 vintage in Bulgaria is regarded as very good, favoring wines with longevity. Hence the drinking window reflects a balance between early maturity and peak complexity years later.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, game dishes, hearty stews, aged cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow tannins to soften and the bouquet to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Producer applies sustainable farming practices focusing on water conservation and minimizing chemical inputs. Some efforts on waste reduction and eco-friendly packaging.

Silent Meridian practices sustainable viticulture without formal certification. Their focus on water management and reduced chemical use is positive, though the absence of widespread renewable energy use or full organic certification limits the score. Import logistics also moderately increase carbon footprint.