2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Gamza is a popular grape variety that has been known to Bulgarian growers for many years. It is managed mainly in the northern parts of the country. Apart from our country, however, it is also grown in our neighboring Serbia, Romania and Turkey, as well as in Hungary, Slovakia, France, Moldova and Australia. The variety is also called Skadarka, Kadarka, Gimza, Kadarka modra, Kadarka black, Black gitsa, Mekish and others.
Gamza is characterized by dark green, five-part leaves covered with moss. They have large protruding teeth and short handles. In the autumn months they turn red. The cluster in this species is of medium size, having the shape of a cone. In some species it resembles more of a cylinder. The nipples are rounded, neither too large nor too small. The flesh is juicy. It is characterized by fresh taste and pleasant aroma. The meat is covered with a thin skin, painted in dark blue and having a coating. Red table and dessert wines are made from the grapes.
The chamois is among the varieties that can not be grown anywhere, because there are some specifics. For example, this variety prefers ventilated areas, preferably hills. They must have soils rich in nutrients. The temperature value is also important. Although it is not a particularly thermophilic variety, with a sharp drop in temperature, it may not tolerate the changes and freeze. If grown under suitable conditions, Gamza is characterized by high yields and fertility.
It belongs to the wine varieties that ripen late. The grapes are ready for harvest in the second half of September. Otherwise, this variety is susceptible to mold. Because the fruit is wrapped in a thin membrane, it can be attacked by the botrytis cinerea mold. If the autumn turns out to be too rainy, the mold causes the grains to fall out. When Gamza pruning is of great importance. Experts advise it to be low, because in this way the yield can be most successfully affected.
History of Gamza
There are various legends about the origin of the variety gamza. According to one of them, when the sons of Khan Kubrat scattered on the Balkan Peninsula, each of them had a stick from an ancient vine. The wine from this plant was drunk before the battle, because it charged the wars with strength and courage. When the Bulgarians settled in today's lands, they settled a lot of this culture.
But soon the population began to drink often from the wine of this vine and this led to many problems among the locals. Therefore, as soon as Khan Krum took power, he ordered the uprooting of all vineyards, the only idea to bring order to his intoxicated subjects. One night, however, something happened that changed the ruler's intentions. Traditionally, a lion roamed the palace, guarding the inn's chambers.
There were also patrol wars. It often happened that if some of them were intercepted by the lion, he would be killed. When a young man took over, he was met by a lion. Unexpectedly, however, the young man prevailed over the predator and the animal was lying on the ground. The khan was very intrigued by what had happened and asked the warrior how he had achieved this power.
After a long hesitation, the young man shared that his family had not uprooted the sacred vine and had drunk wine obtained from it before his shift. This story made the khan think and revoke his order. He ordered the vineyards to be restored and named it Gamza, to his daughter.
Characteristics of Gamza
As already mentioned, of the variety Gamza red table and dessert wines are obtained, which are characterized by a dense taste and are very drinkable. With proper cultivation of the vineyards, wine with a dense red color, rich in tannins, is obtained. If the harvest was not good, then the quality of the wine produced will be in question.
The aroma of the wine varies from producer to producer, as a variety of aromas are added. For example, you can include the aroma of berries (blueberries, raspberries), chocolate, cinnamon and more. The idea is for the final scent of the wine to be dense, balanced, but also captivating the consumer.
Serving Gamza
The grape elixir is served chilled (between 10 and 15 degrees). It is served in the well-known wine glasses with a stool, which allow to reveal both the taste characteristics of the wine and the peculiarities of its color. The glasses are only half full and the drink is drunk slowly. In this way you will be able to fully experience all the characteristics of the wine and most of all to enjoy them. True connoisseurs of grape elixirs are never in a hurry when they enjoy them.
The wine from Gamza has a varied taste, which makes it unpretentious to food additives. In general, it depends on you what you will combine it with. However, gourmets are of the opinion that desalinated soft cheeses do a great job in this case.
Seafood, beef and chicken dishes are also recommended. Try combining Gamza with Chicken Roll with mustard and red wine, Chicken with French chestnuts, Roast chicken with sauce or Chicken with cumin. Other very appetizing offers are Veal and pork fillet with mushrooms and vegetables, Veal medallions with lemon juice, Mediterranean skewers and Veal with tomatoes.
