I love Villa Melnik in the springtime

Springtime is a perfect time for #winelovers to visit Southern Bulgarian Wine Country. This #winelover soon discovered that there is a special magic in the spring air at Villa Melnik. While the storks are busy raising their babies atop the telephone poles in nearby villages, the grape vines are thriving in Villa Melnik's vineyards. Villa Melnik, a family-owned boutique winery, located in Harsovo, is just 7 kilometers south of the historic town of Melnik, in the Struma River Valley Wine Region. Spaswinefood was indeed delighted to return to Villa Melnik. 

Villa Melnik Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

The winery has the same name as an indigenous grape variety, Melnik found in this wine region. Interestingly, the grape was named after the nearby town of Melnik. The Struma Valley Wine Region situated between the Pirin Mountains and the Struma River, is a small but a very significant wine region in Bulgaria. The region’s significance is in part due to the indigenous grape Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broadleaf Melnik) that is found in this area. In addition, the Mediterranean influenced climate also makes the region ideal for growing international grape varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood

I could not resist taking a springtime walk in the vineyards.

Villa Melnik through the Vines © Spaswinefood

It is late spring and the grapes vines are thriving.

Spring Grapes, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood

Beginning of June Grapes, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood

Villa Melnik in the Springtime

Villa Melnik sits on a hill, overlooking 30 hectares of estate vineyard. While Villa Melnik is awesome to visit any time of the year however, there is something very special about a springtime visit.

Villa Melnik Estate © Spaswinefood

The winery specializes in the production of small lot single varietals and blends. During my visit it was not only a delight to visit the vineyards, but also to tour the modern winery facilities, and its underground cave-like cellars. 

Underground Caves, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood

Nikola Zikatanov, winery proprietor is surrounded by a very talented group of women. Lyubka T Zikatanov (wife) manages the winery, Militza Zikatanov (daughter) is the commercial manager and Roumyana Stoilova is the head winemaker.

Zikatanov and Nikola Zikatanov, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood

This is a winery that knows how to make its guests feel at home.

Militia Zikatanov (right) and Me, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood


Villa Melnik Wines

Villa Melnik wine series include Special Wines, Apaulz, Bergulé, Family Tradition, and Young Wines. Since my last visit I was happy to discover that the winery has received many awards for its wines. My most recent wine tastings at Villa Melnik included both international and indigenous varieties (Broadleaf Melnik, Melnik 55, Ruen and Mavrud). Specifically, the Bulgarian indigenous grape varieties included:

1. Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broadleaf Melnik), a Bulgarian red grape variety found near Melnik in the Struma River Valley. Wines produced from these grapes have been compared to Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Winston Churchill has been reported to have been extremely fond of this wine.

2. Melnik 55 (Early Melnik), a hybrid Bulgarian grape developed because the Broadleaf Melnik grape often ripens late when the weather is cold and damp. The hybrid was produced using Valdiguié pollen.

Wines made from Melnik grapes are highly valued for its full-bodied flavor, ruby-red color, and its aging potential.

3. Ruen is a cross between Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broadleaf Melnik) and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is an expressive wine that has described as having flavors of black cherry, liquorice, cigar and nuts.

4. Mavrud comes from the Greek word (mavro) meaning black. The wine made from this grape has a dark ruby color. It has been described as having high tannins and excellent acidity. On the palate it tends to be spicy, with stewed fruit and herbal flavors.

Villa Melnik Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Fortunate for me, during my recent trip to Bulgaria I was able to visit the winery twice. Luiz Alberto, founder of the #Winelover community was also present during these visits. Amongst the white wines I tasted on these occasions included:

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Sauvignon Blanc Semi Dry 2016 

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Sauvignon Blanc Semi Dry 2016 © Spaswinefood

Villa Melnik, Apaulz Chardonnay Sur Lie 2015

Villa Melnik, Apaulz Chardonnay Sur Lie 2015 © Spaswinefood

From their white wine Apaulz series I tasted their Viognier. There were also Orange and Rose wines to taste.

Villa Melnik, Orange Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Villa Melnik, Orange Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2016 © Spaswinefood

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Rosé 2016

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Rosé 2016 © Spaswinefood

Amongst the red wines I tasted both single varieties and blends.

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Ruen 2015 

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Ruen 2015 © Spaswinefood

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Melnik & Pinot Noir 2014

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Melnik & Pinot Noir 2014 © Spaswinefood

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Cuvee 2012

Villa Melnik, Bergulé Cuvee 2012 © Spaswinefood

From their Apaulz series I tasted their Melnik 55 and Cabernet Sauvignon. I also tasted some barrel samples. These wines were yet to be bottled. There was Mavrud 2014. 

Villa Melnik, Mavrud 2014 (Barrel Sample) © Spaswinefood

There was also a Broadleaf Melnik 2015.

Villa Melnik, Broadleaf Melnik 2015 (Barrel Sample) © Spaswinefood

I was very impressed by the overall quality of Villa Melnik red wines. I particularly liked their Melnik 55, and the red wine blends with the indigenous grape varieties. YES, the barrel samples were amazing. From their white wines their Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are quite appealing on the palate. I also enjoyed their Orange wine, which is a big hit these days.

Villa Melnik Wines © Spaswinefood

Struma River Valley Wine Region

It was my earlier introduction to Struma Valley wines that inspired me to return to Bulgaria to continue my New Wines of Ancient Thrace journey. There is a long tradition of wine making in Bulgaria's Struma River Valley. A revival of wine making in this wine region has resulted in several new, modern wineries, such as Villa Melnik Winery being built. What is so exciting is that these wineries are producing high quality wine from local and international grape varieties. Wineries, like Villa Melnik, indicate to me that the Struma River Valley Wine Region has amazing potential. It is certainly a Bulgarian wine region with a great future.

Springtime Vineyard, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood




Yes, Paris in the springtime is awesome however, it is hard to beat a springtime visit to Villa Melnik.  I love Villa Melnik in the springtime. Moreover, Villa Melnik is modern winery with a fabulous leadership team. This is without doubt a recipe for success. I am so looking forward to continuing my New Wines of Ancient Thrace adventures in Bulgaria. I invite you to join me in my travels in Bulgaria and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

Sofia, Bulgaria

June 2017

© Spaswinefood

#Winelover Luiz Alberto, Villa Melnik © Spaswinefood

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Note: Special thanks to the Bulgarian Wine Export Association (BWEA) and our Bulgarian hosts who sponsored this activity.