YAGORIDA
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Current Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: %
Vinification: Aged for 42 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics:
Yagorida, the small grapes growing on the higher shoots of the vine, survived like a phoenix after the dramatic hailstorm and ripened. The wine has a unique concentration, structure, and aroma – a symbol of the vine’s unyielding will to live.
YAGORIDA Magnum 1.5l
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Current Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: %
Vinification: Aged for 42 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics:
Yagorida, the small grapes growing on the higher shoots of the vine, survived like a phoenix after the dramatic hailstorm and ripened. The wine has a unique concentration, structure, and aroma – a symbol of the vine’s unyielding will to live.
Hailstorm 42 months
Variety: Blend of Melnik 55, Mavrud, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5% vol.
Vintage: 2016
Vinification: Aged for 42 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: A gift from nature, a symbol of surprise and synchronicity. A second batch of the wine, left for another 18 months in addition to the initial 24 in oak barrels to tame the wine's exuberant character. It is distinguished by a dense body, explosiveness of dark fruits - blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry. The fruit is wrapped in shades of dark chocolate, coffee and sweet spices. Long finish and a hint of long development with notes of leather, tobacco and sweet smokiness. A wine that, left in the collection, will continue to give joyful moments in the coming years.
Limited quantity.
Hailstorm 24 months
Variety: Blend of Melnik 55, Mavrud, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5% vol.
Vintage: 2016
Vinification: Aged for 24 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: A gift from nature, a symbol of surprise and synchronicity. A second batch of the wine, left for another 18 months in addition to the initial 24 in oak barrels to tame the wine’s exuberant character. It is distinguished by a dense body, explosiveness of dark fruits – blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry. The fruit is wrapped in shades of dark chocolate, coffee and sweet spices. Long finish and a hint of long development with notes of leather, tobacco and sweet smokiness. A wine that, left in the collection, will continue to give joyful moments in the coming years.
Limited quantity.
Aplauz MAGNUM 3L Cabernet Sauvignon Premium
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Current Vintage: 2019
Alcohol:14 %
Characteristics:
Our Magnum bottles (1.5 L and 3L) embody the very best of Villa Melnik – exceptional red wines crafted with care, passion, and attention to every detail.
The wines stand out with full body, intense aromas, and remarkable depth of flavor. Thanks to the slower evolution in the larger bottle, Magnum wines reveal elegance, harmony, and longevity.
Created in limited quantities, Magnum bottles are the perfect choice for special occasions, collectors, and connoisseurs seeking something truly remarkable.
SWEET WINE BARREL AGED
Variety: Melnik 55- 100% (late harvest)
Current Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 15,5%
Vinification:
The grapes were picked three weeks after the grapes for dry wines and left to further dry on racks in an airy place far from direct sunlight in order to additionally concentrate the sugars and aromas. 80g residual grape sugar/liter. No added sugar or sweetener.
Characteristics:
A dessert in a bottle – sensual, deep, velvety. It seduces with aromas of caramelized nuts, candied almonds, coffee, fig jam, and dark chocolate. Rich yet balanced – with sweetness that does not overwhelm and freshness that lingers. For special occasions and well-deserved pleasures.
About the Variety:
Melnik 55, also known as Early Melnik Vine, is a hybrid grape variety, a cross between the endemic Shiroka Melnik Vine and Valdiguié.
Melnik Family Tree
Variety: Blend of Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik) Bush Vine, Melnik 1300 Jubilee, Melnik 55, Melnik Rubin, Melnik 82, Ruen
Current Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 14,5%
Limited Batch: 3600 bottles
Vinification: The wine is made from carefully selected grapes from our own vineyard and matured for 12 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics:
This wine embodies our mission – to preserve and revive unique local grape varieties and produce world-class wines from them. Melnik Family Tree stands out with a medium-intense, beautiful red color. The nose is harmonious and multi-layered, revealing noble notes of moss, resin, and autumn leaves, intertwined with hints of blackberry and tobacco. The palate is dense, structured, and rounded, yet balanced and complex, with accents of black cherry, rosehip, and pepper. A long and memorable finish makes this wine a noble representative of the Melnik varietal family.
Rare Varieties – Melnik 82
Variety: Melnik 82
Current Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 14%
Vinification: The wine is made from carefully selected grapes from our own vineyard and matured for 12 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: An impenetrable purple color. The nose is intriguing, deep, and complex with notes of ink, earthy nuances, cocoa, and blackcurrant. The palate is dense and full-bodied, with well-preserved fruit acidity, velvety tannins, and a spicy, very long finish. The wine is still young and shows great potential.
Rare Varieties – Shiroka Melnik – Bush Vine
Variety: Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik) Bush Vine
Current Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14%
Limited Batch: 1400 bottles
Vinification: The wine is made exclusively from grapes harvested from a vineyard cultivated in the traditional bush vine style. We follow the tradition – growing Broadleaf Melnik as a low bush close to the ground. The scorching sun and heated soil concentrate the aromas and flavors in the grapes.
Characteristics: Distinguished by incredible fruit concentration and complex layers of flavors and aromas. An intense, multi-layered bouquet with expressive earthy notes intertwined with hints of tobacco, dried forest herbs, and a memorable cherry character. Plums and ripe red fruits enhance the sense of warmth and richness. On the palate, it is juicy, balanced, and noble. The body is harmonious, with ripe, smooth tannins and remarkable freshness. The finish is long and memorable – a true reward for connoisseurs of unique local varieties.
Rare Varieties – Ruen
Variety: Ruen
Current Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14%
Limited Batch: 2000 bottles
Vinification: The wine has aged for 24 months in Bulgarian oak barrels. Unfiltered. Limited edition of 2,000 bottles.
Characteristics: A wine from a rare Bulgarian grape variety, preserved and revived by Villa Melnik. Its color is deep, inky red. The aroma is complex and intriguing: notes of graphite and leather intertwine with forest floor, coffee, ripe plums, and homemade jam. The taste is full-bodied and mature – with a well-structured body, elegant velvety tannins, and a fine, spicy finish. Ruen is an ideal choice for connoisseurs of the authentic and the distinctive – a wine with soul, history, and a strong character.
Nikola’s favorite wines
To celebrate the spring festivities – Lazarus Day, Easter, and St. George’s Day – the founder of the winery, Nikola Zikatanov, has personally curated a selection of his rarest, limited-edition wines.
Two of the wines belong to the Aplauz Premium Reserve series – boutique, single-varietal wines bottled from a single barrel. This is the finest barrel of the vintage, hand-picked by the owner for its exceptional quality.
The remaining wines are from the “Rare Varieties” series, embodying Villa Melnik’s mission to preserve and revive the unique indigenous grapes of the Melnik region.
These wines have aged for 12 to 18 months in Bulgarian and French oak barrels within our cool cellar, carved deep into the natural Melnik sandstone. They are a true delight for the senses, impressive in their uniqueness, and perfectly suited for special occasions or as a distinguished addition to any serious wine collection.
The selection includes:
- Aplauz Premium Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aplauz Premium Reserve Merlot
- RARE VARIETIES – Ruen
- RARE VARIETIES – Melnik 1300 Jubilee
- RARE VARIETIES – Melnik 82
- RARE VARIETIES – Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine) – Gobelet (Bush Vine)
APLAUZ PREMIUM RESERVE MERLOT
Variety: Merlot
Current Vintage: 2020
Alcohol:14 %
Limited edition: 850 bottles
Vinification: Made from carefully selected grapes, aged 18 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: Powerful and seductive, this Merlot combines a deep, almost opaque color with intense aromas of dark fruits, mocha, vanilla, and toasted wood. Its rich flavor, accented by notes of roasted meat and spicy herbs, leads into a long, dry finish – a wine of remarkable structure and great aging potential.
AplauZ – Mavrud, PREMIUM Reserve
Variety: Mavrud
Current Vintage: 2021
Alcohol:15 %
Vinification: Made from carefully selected grapes, aged 24 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: Refined and multi-layered, this Mavrud impresses with its deep color and rich bouquet of cherries, blackberries, and chocolate notes. With a medium body, silky tannins, and impeccable balance, the wine unfolds into a finish that lingers endlessly – a true delight for connoisseurs.
Villa Melnik’s Melnik
Immerse yourself in the world of unique Melnik varieties with this wine package. Here we have gathered a selection of emblematic wines that reveal the richness and diversity of local varieties from the Struma Valley. Each wine carries the spirit of the region and reflects our aspiration to preserve and promote the unique Bulgarian wine heritage.
The package includes the following wines:
- Melnik Family Tree: A blend of all Melnik varieties – embodies our mission – to preserve and revive the unique local varieties and make world-class wines from them.
- Alpauz Melnik 55: A dense and complex wine with deep aromas of ripe black fruits and spices.
- Aplauz Shiroka Melnik: An elegant and well-structured wine with notes of red fruits and herbs.
- Rare Varieties Melnik 1300: A limited variety with an impressive aromatic profile and velvety body.
- Rare Varieties Melnik 82: Good tannin structure, medium body. Wine with a long finish and memorable taste.
- Rare Varieties Ruen: Wine with a light to medium structure, reflecting the unique character of the Ruen variety - with delicate notes of red fruits and woody aromas.
Order now and discover the magic of Melnik varieties in one bottle!
Aplauz – Cabernet Sauvignon, PREMIUM Reserve
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Current Vintage: 2020
Alcohol:14 %
Limited edition: 850 bottles
Vinification: Made from carefully selected grapes, aged 18 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: An aristocratic Cabernet, with garnet color and a complex bouquet of cocoa, dried fruits, and sweet spices over a smoky-oak background. Full-bodied and rich, with serious character and a noble finish – a wine created to impress.
The Bulgarian Heritage Selection
Our mission is to preserve and revive the unique indigenous grape varieties of Bulgaria. We are proud to present this special six-bottle selection, featuring wines crafted exclusively from our own estate-grown Bulgarian grapes.
The Selection Includes:
Melnik Family Tree: A masterful blend of all Melnik varieties. This wine embodies our mission—to safeguard local heritage and transform it into world-class wine.
Rare Varieties Melnik 1300: A limited-edition variety with an impressive aromatic profile and a smooth, velvety body.
Aplauz Mavrud: One of our most awarded wines of the year. A powerful yet elegant Mavrud, aged for 18 months in Bulgarian oak barrels within the deep sandstone tunnels beneath the winery.
Aplauz Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine): A classic expression of the traditional Melnik grape, aged to perfection in Bulgarian oak.
Aplauz Rosé (Melnik & Mavrud): An elegant, delicate, and highly aromatic rosé blend of Bulgaria’s two most iconic varieties.
Bergulé Melnik & Pinot Noir: An intriguing and harmonious blend of the local Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine and the classic Pinot Noir.
Aplauz – Melnik 55, Reserve
Variety: Melnik 55 (Early Melnik)
Current Vintage: 2021
Alcohol:15 %
Vinification: Made from carefully selected grapes, aged 18 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: An emblematic local variety in a modern style. Ruby-colored wine with aromas of black cherry, cassis, smoked wood, and dried meat. The palate is smooth, with gentle acidity and a spicy-oak finish. An excellent choice for lovers of elegant red wines with a distinctive terroir character.
Aplauz – Shiroka Melnik, Reserve
Variety: Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik)
Current Vintage: 2022
Alcohol:15 %
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by 18 months of aging in Bulgarian oak (new, first and second fill).
Characteristics: A traditional local variety with a rich, expressive character. Complex nose of sour cherry, oak, spices, and herbs. Harmonious, well-structured wine with a touch of sweetness and a long fruity finish. Ideal for connoisseurs of elegant native varietals.
Aplauz – Mavrud, Reserve
Variety: Mavrud
Current Vintage: 2021
Alcohol:15 %
Vinification: Made from carefully selected grapes, aged 12 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: Deep, dense ruby-colored wine with aromas of black fruits, roasted peppers, tomato salsa, and earthy undertones. The palate is powerful and balanced, with flavors of chocolate, sour cherry, and tobacco. A pure, intense, and memorable Mavrud with excellent length.
AplauZ – Syrah, Reserve
Variety: Syrah
Current Vintage: 2021
Alcohol:14 %
Vinification: Made from carefully selected grapes, aged 18 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics: Expressive and sensual Syrah with a deep, dark brick-red color. The bouquet reveals spices, black tea, dark berries, and earthy notes. On the palate, elegant with caramel and dried-fruit nuances, balanced structure, and a long, lingering finish. A wine for those who enjoy complex reds.
Aplauz – Sandanski Misket
Variety: Sandanski Misket
Current Vintage: 2025
Alcohol: 12,5 %
Region: PGI Melnik
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel tanks.
Characteristics: Aplauz Sandanski Misket is a fresh white wine with the charm of the Pirin south. It reveals a captivating bouquet of green apple, white flowers, and delicate citrus notes. The palate is balanced, with elegant minerality. Perfect for summer afternoons, seafood, and admirers of expressive Bulgarian varieties.
Aplauz – Viognier Sur Lie
Variety: Viognier
Current Vintage: 2024
Alcohol:12,5 %
Region: Vinogradi village, PGI Melnik
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel and oak barrels. Aged 6 months on fine lees in oak.
Characteristics: Aplauz Viognier is balanced and elegant, with creamy texture, complex aromas, and noble character. Pale straw color with green hues. Seductive bouquet of peach, white cherry preserve, butter, and brioche. The palate is full, rounded, and generous, with peach confit on the finish. Enjoy young or let it age gracefully.
Aplauz – Chardonnay Sur Lie
Variety: Chardonnay
Current Vintage: 2025
Alcohol:12.5%
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel and oak barrels. Aged 6 months on fine lees in oak.
Characteristics: A wine of authentic character. Light yellow with greenish hues. Rich nose of citrus, lime, and delicate oak, balanced with fresh acidity. Velvety, creamy body with a touch of almond bitterness and lime peel on the finish.
The Wine Behind the scenes
We present you a box of wine dedicated to the BNT1 TV series "Grapes of Guilt", a large part of which was filmed at Villa Melnik.
Learn more about the series here.
- Bergule Mavrud and Melnik – A beautiful transparent garnet color. The aroma is intriguing with elements of black cherry, herbal and ethereal notes. The taste is spicy, fresh, with a good tannin structure and a medium-long finish. The wine is not in contact with oak barrels, only fermentation in stainless steel
- Aplauz Shiroka Melnik – wine made using classical technology from the original Melnik variety – just as the keeper of traditions in the series, the technologist Nasko (Gerasim Georgiev – Gero) would have made it.
- Aplauz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva – the favorite wine of director Viktor Bozhinov and the male part of the cast.
- Rare varieties Melnik 1300 Jubileen – the wine that left even Mikhail Bilalov speechless.
- Bergule Rosé – the favorite wine of the ladies from the film crew of the series. Many pages of the script were written and read with a glass of this rosé in hand. Made from Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir
- Aplauz Viognier – the wine that inspired the moviegoers and forever left a mark in their hearts.
