Misket Cherven, or Red Misket, is one of Bulgaria’s oldest and most respected autochthonous white wine grapes. Despite its name, this variety has pink to reddish skins but is used almost exclusively to make dry white wines. Grown mainly in the Rose Valley‘s surrounding foothills of the Balkan Mountains and in the Black Sea Region, Misket Cherven is cherished for its delicate aromas, brisk acidity, and ability to express terroir with clarity and charm.
Serving
8-10°C
White Tulip
no decanting
Food Pairing
It is excellent with grilled trout, white cheeses, tarator, fresh tomato salads, and vegetable terrines. Its herbal edge and high acidity make it ideal for dill, mint, or lemon dishes, and it performs beautifully with Bulgarian summer cuisine.
What to Look For?
Expect a pale golden color with subtle pink hues, delicate aromas of apple, apricot, and herbs, and a clean finish with vibrant acidity and a light mineral touch. It’s a wine of finesse rather than intensity.
Cellaring Potential
Misket Cherven is best enjoyed young, within 1–3 years, when its aromatic charm and freshness are at their peak. Some producers experiment with longer lees aging for texture.
Blending Partners
Traditionally bottled varietally, Misket Cherven may occasionally be blended with Dimyat, Rkatsiteli, Cabernet Franc, or Red Misket clones from Sungurlare to enhance aroma and structure in regional blends.
Local Variants
There are local selections of Misket Cherven, each slightly different in expression depending on the terroir. Karlovski Misket, Sungurlarski Misket, Misket Starozagorski, and Misket Rilski are regional synonyms or local names for the same grape variety, Misket Cherven (Red Misket).
“Misket” refers to a sensory and cultural group of Bulgarian grape varieties rather than a genetically related family. These grapes are united by name and winemaking style—typically light-bodied, floral, and used for dry white wines—but their genetic origins differ. Some, like Misket Cherven, are ancient and autochthonous, while others are modern hybrids bred for specific traits. See Varnenski Misket for example.
Alternative Grapes
If you enjoy Misket Cherven, try Vrachanski Misket or Red Misket (Cherven Misket) from Sungurlare. Internationally, Pinot Gris (in its dry, floral Alsatian style) may offer a similar floral and mineral balance.
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