Russia announced that the Bulgarian wines held place N 1 in sales in the country, reported Russian National Association of Alcoholic drinks. Import of Bulgarian wines and other alcoholic drinks increased by 70% in the first seven months of 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.

Bulgarian wines hold between 25 and 27% of the market in Russia, said Krassimir Krastenov, chairman of Vini-Sliven said.

French wines take the second place on the Russian market, but they come at much higher price, followed by the Spanish wines.

The wines make around 75% of the Bulgarian exports to the Russian Federation; Merlot, Cabernet, Muscat and Chardonnay and the sweet-flavored Kadarka wine.

Bulgarian wine producers, who export their production to the Russian market, are Chateau Roussinovo and the wine factories in Rousse, Dolna Banya, Pomorie, Slavyantsi, Vini-Sliven and Sunny Castle.