Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several famous Bordeaux properties, including Châteaux Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte, sought out the Bessa Valley where the wonderful clay-limestone soils showed him the potential to make great wines.
In the shadow of the dramatic Rhodope Mountains, these soils provide the structure, strength and minerality that allows Stephan to create wonderful wines that are full of power and elegance.
The strong presence of limestone in the soil is very similar to that in Saint Emilion, which is why the particular area was chosen. By 2005 the winery had planted 140 Ha of vineyards - 55% of Merlot, and equal amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The Bessa Valley has a continental climate, with no influence from the Black Sea. The average temperature range between -3℃ and 1℃ in Winter, and between 30℃ and 32 ℃ in Summer.
The vineyards are located on a gentle slope, with an altitude of between 150m and 210m and the wines are just amazing.