Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
108 / the tasting panel / june 2014 CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH AID FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, GREECE AND THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA T he old adage goes that if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere . . . including Las Vegas. This is exactly what members and producers affili- ated with Bulgaria's National Vine and Wine Chamber (NVWC) did during the course of the spring, with successful appearances at the 71st Annual Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention in Las Vegas, followed by a series of promotional wine tasting events in New York. The gamble Bulgarian winemakers took by participating in WSWA's tasting competitions at Caesars Palace paid off royally. Three com- panies, part of the European Wine Treasures project, won a gold for 2013 Verano Azur, 2013 Vini Chardonnay and three silver medals for 2011 Reserve Merlot, 2009 Royal Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2012 Syrah Encore. "To satisfy the needs of different age groups and demographics, especially for the U.S. market, we produce wines with different styles," explains Radoslav Radev on behalf of the NVWC. "We have much to offer the U.S. market in terms of sparkling, whites, reds and rosé, a traditional Bulgarian grape variety like Mavrud, Misket and also the most popular international grape varieties. However, what made us competitive at WSWA is the quality of the wines, which reflect that we follow trends in the wine industry, but remain faithful to Bulgarian winemaking traditions." In the past year companies like some of those included in European Wine Treasures campaign organized successful wine promotional tasting events at nationally famous New York City res- taurants.The union resulted in a grand tasting on April 14 at the Astor Center, headlined by noted global wine experts Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, followed by a walk-around tasting. Attendees learned from Jenssen, DeSimone and other special guests that Bulgaria is one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world, and is in the process of reinventing itself as a producer of world-class wines from both indigenous and international varieties. The participating wine producers (three of whom are currently selling in the U.S.) represent the main regions of Bulgaria for the production of PDO wines: the Danubian Plains (Northern Bulgaria) and the Thracian Lowlands (Southern Bulgaria). "Some of the consumers may not know where Bulgaria is exactly on the world map— yet—but are intrigued and interested in finding out more," continues Radev. "Our involvement in these events, along with travel, wine blogs and social networking, helps us to open the door to our wines in America." Playing to Win THE WSWA CONVENTION & EXPOSITION AND A HIGH-PROFILE TASTING EVENT AT NEW YORK PUT THE QUALITY AND VERSATILITY OF EUROPEAN WINEMAKERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT by Elyse Glickman TP0614_102-128.indd 108 5/23/14 9:51 PM