Gamza, also known regionally as Gimza, is a native Bulgarian red grape with deep historical roots in the Danube Plain of northern Bulgaria. Once the country’s most widely planted red variety, Gamza is cherished for its light body, vibrant acidity, and red fruit aromas. Often compared to Pinot Noir for its finesse, it expresses the cooler continental climate of northern Bulgaria with clarity and charm.
Serving
14-16°C
Large glass
no decanting
Food Pairing
Gamza pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, roasted poultry, or shopska salad. Its fresh acidity and red berry notes also work well with light pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, or goat cheese.
What to Look For?
Look for bright ruby color, aromas of red forest fruit and florals, and a light, juicy palate with a soft, slightly spicy finish.
Cellaring Potential
Typically, the best young (1–3 years), though high-quality versions, can age gracefully for up to 5 years, gaining complexity and subtle earthy depth.
Blending Partners
Gamza is traditionally vinified as a single varietal, though in modern winemaking, it may occasionally be blended with Melnishki Rubin, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mavrud to add roundness or structure.
Gamza Varieties
While Gamza (also known as Kadarka) is one of Bulgaria’s most traditional and regionally expressive red grapes, several clones and breeding selections have been developed to improve its performance or adapt it to new regions. These varieties are commonly grouped under the “Gamza” name for their stylistic resemblance, regional role, or clonal origin, though not all are direct genetic descendants.
Some, like Varna Gimza and Gamza No.5, are true Gamza clones, selected from local vineyards and refined for agronomic improvements. Others, like Danubian Gamza, are modern hybrids named for their similar expression or intended function rather than direct lineage.
Here are some notable members of the extended Gamza family:
Gamza No.5 (Гъмза №5)
A selected clonal variant of Gamza was bred for improved disease resistance and consistent yields. It retains Gamza’s hallmark red cherry and raspberry aromas but shows a deeper color and more reliable performance across vintages.
Danubian Gamza (Дунавска Гъмза)
Not genetically Gamza, this modern hybrid was created by crossing Buket × Villard Blanc. It was developed for the Danubian Plain to improve color, body, and phenolic richness. Danubian Gamza wines are fuller-bodied and more structured, resembling international light-to-medium-bodied reds more closely than traditional Gamza. However, they carry the name for their functional similarity and intended regional role.
Alternative Grapes
If you enjoy Gamza, try the other Gamza varieties or Pinot Noir for similar delicacy and freshness.
