A quality wine from the Struma Valley sub-region in the Thrace Valley of southwestern Bulgaria where fresh and fruity red wines are produced from the Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik) grape variety. Villa Melnik Family Tradition Melnik smells with fruity notes of sour cherry leaves, mown grass and roasted red fruits and develops a bright freshness and tight tannins on the palate. With its light body aged in oak barrels, it is ideal with pasta, cheese, Lenten dishes, game, pork and lamb.
Grape Variety:
Shiroka Melnik Vine (Broadleaf Melnik).
Vinification:
Authentic, natural Melnik wine made from the typical local grape variety.
Tasting Notes:
Ruby red color and aromas of sour cherry leaves, mown grass and roasted red fruits. Light-bodied with bright freshness and tight tannins.
Food Pairing:
Pasta, cheese, Lenten dishes, game (boar, capercaillie), pork with cream sauces, lamb with tomato sauce.
Further information:
Can be found at the Villa Melnik winery.
This is what our sommelier says...
While the classic wine-growing countries such as Italy, France or Spain continue to live off their image, Bulgarian winemakers have long since begun a quality offensive. On the basis of a strictly quality-oriented wine law, many committed and ambitious winemakers have been causing a sensation internationally with their wines for some years now.
This "Melnik" is an impressive example of this development. The "Wide Melnik Grape" is one of the oldest grape varieties in Bulgaria and is also an autochthonous grape variety, i.e. it is an indigenous grape variety and is grown in the vineyards around the town of Melnik and its neighboring municipalities. This grape is mostly used to make wines that are full-bodied and tannic, with a strong character.
This Melnik comes from the renowned Villa Melnik winery, whose vineyards have the best growing conditions. Surrounded by the foothills of the Pirin Mountains and crossed by the Sandanska Bistrica River, the vines benefit from the high intensity of the sun and the consistently high temperatures. At the same time, the gentle cooling mountain winds and the climate-stabilizing effect of the river ensure that the grapes can fully ripen without becoming overripe and thus too sweet. After harvesting at the end of October, the healthy grapes are gently vinified in the winery's modern, temperature-controlled cellar facilities. Due to its complexity and high tannin content, the Melnik is particularly suitable for aging in barriques of the best provenance. And so this outstanding Melnik was aged for over six months in small 225l Bulgarian oak barrels.
The careful processing and gentle aging of this dry red wine is already evident in the multifaceted and delicate bouquet. Aromas of sour cherry and grass paired with roasted red fruits make you want to take the first sip. On the palate, the wine then unfolds its full spectrum of flavors. The fruity notes are complemented by a powerful and sophisticated fruit aroma and nuances of radiant freshness. The long finish rounds out this full-bodied and enjoyable Melnik. If you are looking for a red wine with a strong character at a reasonable price, you will be delighted with this wine.
It is best to combine this aromatic red wine with spicy vegetable dishes or a spicy lamb. This wine not only refines any meal, but can also convince as a soloist a cozy evening for two by the fireplace.
