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 – 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Hailstorm (Gradushka)
Orders available only upon specific request.
Variety: Melnik 55, Mavrud, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah
Current Vintage: 2016
Alcohol:14.5 %
Vinification: Aged for 42 months in Bulgarian oak barrels.
Characteristics:
A gift of nature, a symbol of surprise and synchronicity. A second batch of the wine, left for an additional 18 months on top of the initial 24 in oak barrels to tame its fiery character. It stands out with a full body, explosive dark fruit – blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry. The fruit is wrapped in nuances of dark chocolate, coffee, and sweet spices. Long finish with hints of further development – leather, tobacco, and a sweet smokiness. A wine that, left in a collection, will continue to bring joy for years to come.
