The Melnik region is popular in Bulgaria and abroad with its wine varieties. Shiroka Melnishka (Broad-Leaf Melnik) vine and Ranna Melnishka vine (Early Melnik vine), known as Melnik 55 grow in the Struma Valley only and the wines made with these sorts preserve and develop this country’s wine tradition. The nature and the specific climate in the Melnik region in combination with the clean nature guarantee a high-quality produce.
Villa Melnik is situated amidst picturesque vineyards in Beli Breg locality near the village of Harsovo. It is a family winery with ancient traditions in wine making and has been producing this beverage for nearly 200 years now. The wine is produced under strict procedures and in great respect to the family values. The winery was included in the first of its kind Family Business Book in Bulgarian 2017 published by the Association of Family Business Bulgaria. The book shares the experience of the successful family companies in this country which are the backbone of the national economy. We also learn from this book that the idea about the modern wine chateau was born when Nikola Zikatanov was a teenager to preserve family livelihood and show respect to the tradition, culture and nature in the Melnik region.
We can talk a lot about winemaking in Melnik region and a person who has been engaged in this industry for years knows best. Tania Mihailova is not a relative of the winery’s owners, but has been connected with them for years through her job. I like being part of this wine cellar, because my efforts are directed towards the preservation of the ancient Bulgarian traditions and their promotion worldwide, Tania Mihailova told Radio Bulgaria and added:
The French-style and the Italian-style boutique wineries in Bulgaria are called villa - it means a wine producing company which has its own vineyards. Our wine cellar has the capacity to produce 250 tons of wine per year. The winery is not big, yet it has its own secrets in wine making. Our cellars are open for Bulgarian and foreign visitors. Various photo sessions and weddings are organized here. Thus, tourists remember the wine traditions in the Melnik region. We became popular in Bulgaria and abroad and export wine made from local wine sorts. However, we make wine from classic vines such as Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, etc. I am proud with our wines. That is why I have been working at this chateau for so many years. I would not change my job for any other job. I appreciate the fact that we are working in a correct manner and the team is strong and united.
Tania Mihailova told us about the amazing qualities of the local vine sort Shiroka Melnishka (Broad-Leaf Melnik Vine). The local vine sort has broad and mossy leaves and the wine produced from this vine is the second most-popular traditional Bulgarian wine after Mavrud.
The wine produced from Broad-Leaf Melnik Vine is known for its tartness and inimitable taste, Tania Mihailova says. The soil in Melnik Region is very sandy. That is why these vine sorts grow here only. They also like the Mediterranean climate which is typical of the Struma Valley. The grapes are picked late September and early October, because this vine sort needs plenty of sunshine. The number of sunny days in Melnik Region is highest and temperatures are higher in this part of the country which makes the Melnik region perfect for wine making.
English version: Kostadin Atanasov
Photos: villamelnik.com
