site.btaPleven Institute of Viticulture, Enology Produces Over 42 Tons of Wine per Year

The Pleven Institute of Viticulture and Enology (PIVE) produced over 42 tons of wine in 2024, of which 18 tons were white wine and nearly 22 tons were red wine, said PIVE Director Emil Tsvetanov on Friday, February 14, on the occasion of the vine growers holiday Tryphon Zarezan (in honour of Saint Tryphon).

He commented that the climatic conditions in Pleven Region were not favorable for the development of vines in 2024. "In the spring there was a strong hailstorm, which affected the development of the earlier varieties, and the summer was quite dry, with high temperatures, which caused the grapes to dry out rather than ripen earlier," he pointed out.

Tsvetanov highlighted that PIVE has begun research on several new grape hybrids, but added that this process takes between 20-25 years in Bulgaria. He noted that since the establishment of the Institute, there have been 45 registered grape varieties. The ones actually created are double or triple that many, but many are discarded during the testing process, he said.

Three or four new varieties will enter the testing process. Once planted, a vine needs at least four years to start bearing fruit. "Then the testing begins to see if what you have received is sustainable. I hope we will soon be able to boast of new varieties," Tsvetanov stated.

He recalled that PIVE enriched its material base in 2024 with the purchasing of two fermenters, new rosiners, additional vessels and pumps. "This has not happened for many years, for which we thank the leadership of the Agricultural Academy, which stood behind us and allowed us to make these investments", Tsvetanov stressed, adding that these investments will return over time, thanks to the improved production quality, higher prices and greater opportunities to create different varieties.

He noted that the variety list of the Executive Agency for Vine and Wine registered five varieties, which had not been registered and winegrowers were not allowed to sell. Tsvetanov also emphasized the good joint work with Pleven Municipality, with which PIVE organized the Festival of Wine and Farm Delicacies in September 2024. An international conference is being organized together with the Regional History Museum for the first time.