The Balkan Rim region, with its 15,000 hectares, stretches eastward as a narrow strip in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Since it is also a centre of rose growing and cultivation - much of it is processed into rose oil - the region is often referred to as Rose Valley. Unlike other regions of Bulgaria, there is comparatively high rainfall here, with about 650 mm of precipitation per year. Summer temperatures are quite high, and winters are cold.
Although the Misket variety occupies a large part of the vineyard area, it is nevertheless a white wine region, because much Misket is pressed white and made into white wine. Furthermore much Riesling and Chardonnay are grown here, as well as the indigenous Rkatsiteli. Some international red wine varieties are also represented here.
Because of the sometimes rather humid climate, grapes can be affected by botrytis in the autumn, which favours the production of sweet wines. The recent trend sees the Pinot Noir and Syrah grape varieties on the rise.
The Rose Valley is also known for the production of distillates, in particular rakia, very popular in Bulgaria, which, unlike the similar-sounding raki from Turkey, does not contain anise.
