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 – 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.
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)
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 – 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.
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.
Mavrud & Melnik
Celebrate Bulgarian Wine: Mavrud and Melnik Selection
Celebrate Bulgarian wine with our special selection, created in honor of International Mavrud Day and the local Melnik varieties. Mavrud is renowned for its full-bodied, intense character, while the Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine impresses with its elegance and uniqueness. Both varieties are symbols of the tradition and heritage of Bulgarian winemaking. Not only do they shine individually, but these two iconic native grapes also go hand-in-hand, and we blend them beautifully into exceptional red and rosé cuvées.
Immerse yourself in the magic of our indigenous grapes by enjoying a selection of our finest wines.
The pack includes:
- Aplauz Mavrud: A wine with an intense aroma of ripe fruits and spices; powerful on the palate with smooth, ripe tannins
- Aplauz Shiroka Melnishka Loza: Elegant and well-structured, featuring notes of red berries and wild herbs
- Aplauz Melnik 55: A full-bodied and complex wine with deep aromas of ripe black fruits and spices
- Aplauz Rose: An elegant blend of the two classic Bulgarian varieties – Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine and Mavrud
- Bergulé Melnik & Mavrud: A unique blend that combines the signature softness of Melnik with the intensity of Mavrud
- Bergulé Rose: A light, fresh rosé with delicate notes of strawberries and raspberries.
Order now and dive into the world of Bulgarian wines, crafted with care and passion for our local terroir!
Chill Melnik
Vintage: 2025
Variety: 100% Shiroka Melnik vine (Broad-leaved Melnik Vine)
Alcohol: 13.5% vol
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel (inox) tanks.
Characteristics: Discover Chill Melnik – a unique, exceptionally fresh red wine crafted in the modern style of chillable reds. A contemporary and innovative take on the legendary native grape variety Shiroka Melnishka Loza.
Fermented in stainless steel, the wine preserves its pure, fruit-forward nature, bursting with crisp aromas of fresh strawberries and wild forest berries. With its pale ruby color, light body, and smooth tannins, Chill Melnik is the ideal companion for the warmer months. To fully appreciate its lively and fruity character, we recommend serving it well-chilled!
Serving Temperature: 11°C – 14°C
Spring freshness
With the arrival of the spring season and the transition to white, rosé and lighter red wines, VILA MELNIK offers you a “SPRING FRESHNESS” package. It includes some of our established products as well as some new and little-known wines.
Our focus is on wines with less or no oak aging, which can be easily combined with any spring table.
- Aplauz Chardonnay Sur Lie – golden, dense and complex wine, vinified using French – sur lie technology;
- Orange Wine – Aromatic and dense, orange wine from Viognier and Keratsuda;
- BERGULE Viognier & Chardonnay – Light and fruity wine with aromas of flowers and white fruits;
- BERGULE Rosé from Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir;
- BERGULE Melnik and Pinot Noir – A delicate red wine with a velvety taste from Shiroka Melnika vine and Pinot Noir;
- GSM – A classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. The wine we dedicate to our wine friends Andrey and Nadya, from whose vineyard in the village of Harsovo the grapes come.
We recommend serving both reds slightly chilled!
Thanks for the photo Beatris Kranz!
Bergule – Rose
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Syrah 35%, Merlot 15%, Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine 10%
Current Vintage: 2024
Alcohol:13 %
Region: Vinogradi village, PGI Melnik
Vinification: Grapes for the rosé are harvested two weeks earlier than for reds to preserve higher acidity and freshness. The varieties ferment separately in stainless steel, and blending is done after fermentation.
Characteristics: A wine that captivates with its delicate pink color and refined charm. Its fresh and intense aroma reveals forest strawberries, sweet peach, moss, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate it is juicy, fresh, and well-balanced, with a refreshing finish.
Bergulé – Melnik & Pinot Noir
Variety: Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine & Pinot Noir
Current Vintage: 2024
Alcohol: 14,5 %
Region: Vinogradi village, PGI Melnik
Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation only, no oak contact.
Characteristics: “Just imagine: a Bulgarian wildling, tightly wrapping her thighs around the body of a capricious French aristocrat. And it turns out they fit perfectly together.” – Elina, The Grapes of Guilt (BNT TV series)
Bergulé – Mavrud & Melnik
Variety: Mavrud & Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik)
Current Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14,5 %
Region: Vinogradi village, PGI Thracian Lowlands
Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, no oak contact.
Characteristics: Intensely peppery with firm tannins, a solid mid-palate structure, and lively, spicy acidity.
Family Tradition – Melnik
Variety: Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine
Current Vintage: 2021
Alcohol:13 %
Region: Harsovo village, PGI Harsovo
Vinification: An authentic, natural Melnik wine from the original local grape variety Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine.
Characteristics: Made from the classic Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine, this ruby red wine impresses with its vibrant color. The aroma weaves together cherry leaves, freshly cut grass, and roasted red fruits. Light-bodied, with firm tannins and vivid freshness – a wine that blends tradition with everyday pleasure.
Family Tradition – Rosé
Variety: Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Current Vintage: 2023
Alcohol:12.5 %
Region: Vinogradi village, PGI Melnik
Vinification: Skin contact for up to 24 hours depending on the variety. Each variety fermented separately in stainless steel. Blending after fermentation.
Characteristics: Seductive and light, our Family Tradition Rosé carries aromas of fresh red berries and floral hints. With its fresh, gentle taste and pleasant texture, this wine is perfect for casual enjoyment.
Aplauz MAGNUM 1.5L Rose
Variety: Mavrud & Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik) Vine
Current Vintage: 2025
Alcohol:12,5 %
Characteristics:
The Magnum bottle of Aplauz Rosé is made for sharing special moments – stylish, elegant, and irresistibly fresh. With a seductive aroma of strawberry, raspberry, and pink grapefruit, this wine is the perfect accent to any celebration.
FAMILY TRADITION BOX ROSÉ 5L
Convenient and economical 5-liter packaging.
Vintage: 2023
Varieties: Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 12.5% vol.
Vinification: The maceration of the skins with the juice lasted up to 24 hours, depending on the grape variety. Each variety fermented separately in stainless steel tanks. The blending was done after the end of fermentation.
Food pairing: Sweet desserts, beef, lamb, spicy dishes, cheeses.
Serving temperature: 6 °C
Family Tradition – Rosé 3l & 5l
Variety: Broadleaf Melnik (Shiroka Melnik) Vine, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Current Vintage: 2023
Alcohol:12.5 %
Region: Vinogradi village, PGI Melnik
Vinification: Skin contact for up to 24 hours depending on the variety. Each variety fermented separately in stainless steel. Blending after fermentation.
Characteristics: Seductive and light, our Family Tradition Rosé carries aromas of fresh red berries and floral hints. With its fresh, gentle taste and pleasant texture, this wine is perfect for casual enjoyment.
AplauZ- Rosé (Melnik & Mavrud)
Variety: Mavrud & Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik)
Current Vintage: 2025
Alcohol:12 %
Vinification: Maceration of skins with juice up to 24 hours, depending on the variety. Each fermented separately in stainless steel, blended after fermentation.
Characteristics: Aplauz Rosé enchants at first sight with its pale pink color and delicate shine. Fresh aromas of strawberry and raspberry, gently accented by floral and citrus notes. On the palate – fine, balanced, and refreshing.
