Orbelus

Winery

The Orbelus project began in 2000 when the first 96 dka of land were acquired in the territory of Kapatovo, a village situated in the Struma Valley, at the foot of the mountain of Pirin. The mountain also gave to the brand its name – Orbelus, as it was called by the Thracians who inhabited the region in the past.

Gradually until 2010 the company acquired more than 200 dka, devided in 20 separate plots in the territories of the villages of Kromidovo, Kapatovo, Marikostinovo and Harsovo, each of them with its specific terroir characteristics, thus contributing to the richness of ORBELUS wines.

The grape varieties cultivated – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Primitivo, Petit Verdot, Marselan, Mourvedre, Viognier, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris – are chosen with a view to the climate particularities and the soil composition. Special attention is given to the cultivation of the traditional for the region grape variety – Early Melnik.

The company’s objective is to produce high quality red and white wines in a nature conscious manner, guaranteeing its products’ ecological purity. Hence, all vines used in making the Orbelus brand wines are certified in accordance with the Bulgarian and European legal requirements for the production of organic grapes.

In 2010 the first Orbelus wines were launched on the market. Currently they are vinified from the company’s own grapes and under the supervision of its specialists at Damianitza AD vineyard. The company’s project, nevertheless, is to have its own vineyard built within two years.

Terroir

The vineyards of Orbelus are situated in one of the most Southern parts of Bulgaria, the East bank of the Struma river, in the territory of four villages – Kromidovo, Kapatovo, Harsovo and Marikostinovo. Their exposure is eastern, to southern, to north-western. They are situated at 160 to 250 m above sea level. The region is touched by the Mediterranean air and surrounded by seven mountains: Pirin, Slavianka, Sengelska Planina, Belasica, Ograjden, Malashevska Planina and Rupite (Kojuh). These particularities of the climate, together with the clay and sandy soils, are among the leading factors providing the rich Southern taste to our wines. Already in antiquity the Thracians, known for their winemaking abilities, valued the qualities of these lands.

The banks of the Struma river are not only the birthplace of our wines, but also of some of the creators of Orbelus. For the Orbelus family the region is excellent for winegrowing and winemaking, and also a source of inspiration and delight.

Vineyards

Central to us for the selection of grape varieties are the work with local grapes and the specificities of the wine region. For Orbelus the endemic varieties show best the authentic character and taste of the Struma river valley. However the qualities of the region are not limited to the grape varieties native to it. In order to highlight and develop the potential of the region we cultivate also international varieties suitable for this part of Bulgaria.

Local varieties
The principal red grape variety at Orbelus is the early ripening branch of the Melnik grape (Melnishka loza), emblematic for the region – Early Melnik (35 per cent of our vines). In addition, we work with the local Broadleaved Melnik, Melnishki Rubin and the white Sandanski Misket.

International varieties classic for Bulgaria
At Orbelus we grow and vinify the classic varieties for Bulgaria and the world Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and the white Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Viognier, on which the local terroir leaves its print.

Varieties rare for Bulgaria
In addition, the Mediterranean (transitional) climate gives us the possibility to work with grape varieties rarely grown in Bulgaria, but very suitable for the Struma river valley – Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Marselan, Primitivo, Petit Verdot and the white Assyrtiko.