Villa Melnik, Aplauz Melnik 55, 2019, Struma River Valley, Bulgaria

Description

Award-winning and unmistakably Melnik—this Bulgarian original is turning heads for all the right reasons.

About the wine

Made from meticulously double hand-selected grapes of Early Melnik Vine (Melnik 55)—a natural cross between Broadleaved Melnik and Valdiguié—this wine is a true Bulgarian original. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 15 months in new Bulgarian oak, it’s built to age gracefully. Crafted in a state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery using organic, vegan-friendly methods, it’s high time the world got a taste of why we’re hooked on these standout wines.

Tasting notes

This wine presents a deep ruby color. On the nose, it offers earthy and chocolate aromas, complemented by ripe black fruits, black olive, mocha, and indigo. The palate is fresh and elegant, with a medium body, well-preserved fruit flavors, tight tannins, and a long, memorable finish. ​

About the winemaker

Villa Melnik has quickly become a favourite here at The Humble Grape and it's easy to see why. This family owned winery, tucked away in the most beautiful setting in South West Bulgaria.

The owner, Nikola Zikatanov, was born in the village across from the winery, Kapatovo, in a family with long standing traditions in vine growing and winemaking. Nikola decided to dedicate the second, wiser part of his life to reviving his family traditions and building a business for the generations to come. Together with his wife, Lyubka, he planted the vineyards and built the winery. They planted their vineyards with indigenous and international grape varieties with the clear mission to bring back the glory of the Melnik wine and to lead the Renaissance of the region.

Awards

Silver Medal at Avgustiada 2022, Bulgaria (Vintage 2019)​

Silver Medal at International Wine Challenge, UK 2022 (Vintage 2018)​

Silver Medal at International Balkans Wine Fest 2020 (Vintage 2017)​

Silver Medal at Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Competition (Vintage 2016)​

Silver Medal at Decanter 2015, London (Vintage 2013)​

Silver Medal at Balkans International Wine Competition 2014, Sofia (Vintage 2011)​