Bulgarian Treasure Melnik 55 Reserve 2019

Bulgarian Treasure Melnik 55 Reserve 2019: A Collaboration Between Villa Melnik and the “Bulgarian Treasure” Project

Bulgarian winemaking is entering a new era—one where traditions are not merely preserved, but resurrected in the form of true liquid treasures. The newest addition to the portfolio of the “Bulgarian Treasure” project is the fruit of an exclusive partnership with Villa Melnik Winery. The result is Bulgarian Treasure Melnik 55 Reserve 2019—a wine that embodies both the spirit of antiquity and the precision of modern winemaking.

The Project: A Philosophy of Perfection

This project unites two visionaries: Svetoslav Rushanov, founder of “Bulgarian Treasure,” and Nikola Zikatanov, owner of the family-run Villa Melnik Winery. The mission of “Bulgarian Treasure” is to promote the rich cultural history and natural bounty of Bulgaria, and what better medium to achieve this than wine—a substance held sacred by the ancient Thracians?

The Bulgarian Treasure Melnik 55 Reserve 2019 was selected and certified under the strict standards of the “Bulgarian Treasure” project, guaranteeing the absolute highest quality and authenticity of origin.

From Vineyard to Bottle: Crafting a Masterpiece

At the heart of this wine lies Melnik 55 (Early Melnik Vine), the iconic signature grape of Southwestern Bulgaria. Its journey from the vine to the bottle is marked by ultimate craftsmanship:

• Terroir: The grapes are sourced from Villa Melnik’s estate vineyards in the village of Harsovo. The vines thrive on sandy soils with limestone-clay deposits, located near the extinct Kozhuh volcano. Situated at an altitude of 300 meters with a southwestern exposure, the vineyard enjoys a transitional Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. The estate is shielded by the high peaks of the Pirin, Belasitsa, Ograzhden, and Slavyanka mountains, which create favorable diurnal temperature shifts.
• Meticulous Vineyard Care: We practice sustainable viticulture with a strict focus on low yields and gentle management, ensuring grapes of exceptional quality. The fruit is hand-harvested, and only the finest, pristine berries pass our rigorous sorting process. The winery features a gravity-flow design, ensuring an energy-efficient, gentle approach to winemaking with minimal human intervention.
• Micro-vinification: Fermentation takes place in small vessels, allowing full artisanal control over the extraction and development of the grape’s finest varietal characteristics.
• Extended Aging: The wine was matured for an impressive 36 months in two brand-new 225-liter French oak barriques, during which it underwent malolactic fermentation. This lengthy aging process has endowed the wine with incredible structure, velvet-soft smoothness, and a complex aromatic profile.
• An Individual Approach: To preserve the unique imprint of the oak and time without losing character, each of the two barrels was bottled individually without aggressive filtration. The two barrels were released under different batch numbers, allowing the unique personality of each individual bottle to truly shine.

The Design: The Symbolism of the Golden Rhyton

Beyond its exceptional contents, this wine makes a striking statement with its ultra-luxury presentation. The design is inspired by the legendary Thracian Golden Rhytons—ancient symbols of power, ritual, and divine favor. The rhyton on the bottle does more than decorate; it narrates the history of our ancestors, who believed that wine was the ultimate conduit between mortals and gods. From the bottle shape, premium cork, and capsule to the hand-applied label and bespoke gift box—every detail has been meticulously handcrafted to exude luxury and status.

Why Melnik 55?

The choice of this variety was highly intentional. Melnik 55 (Early Melnik Vine) is a modern expression of the ancient Shiroka Melnik grape—a crossbreed specifically created for the Melnik region to perfectly match its distinct climatic attributes. With its resilience and noble character, it acts as the ideal global ambassador for the Struma Valley terroir. The 2019 vintage possesses phenomenal aging potential, making this limited-edition release a highly valuable find for serious wine collectors and connoisseurs.

Bulgarian Treasure Melnik 55 Reserve 2019 is an open invitation to travel through time. With every sip, you experience the lifelong expertise of Nikola Zikatanov, the profound passion of Svetoslav Rushanov, and the natural magic of Melnik’s famous sandstone soils.

Discover more about the collection and secure your bottle at: www.bulgariantreasure.bg