Villa Melnik’s mission is to bring back the glory of indigenous Bulgarian varieties. “Rare Varieties” is a premium series of almost-extinct indigenous grape varieties, preserved in own vineyards. With the new brand, “Rare Varieties”, Villa Melnik is taking the lead as the experts in local grapes of the region. To produce this unique, high-quality wine, they use the young but promising variety Ruen of the Southern Bulgaria, a crossing of Melnik and Cabernet Sauvignon. Read more about Ruen. 

Award: #2 “Best wine in Bulgaria in limited series under 2000 bottles” according to Divino 2019

 Our tasting notes:

Intense, vibrant garnet color. The aroma is expressive and rich, typical of the Ruen variety and sunny southwest Bulgaria. Complex aroma of red and black fruits such as blueberry, cassis, mulberry, red cherry, plum, hint of forest leaf, black pepper, chocolate, leather and toast. The body is medium-bodied, with wonderful freshness and fine ripe tannin structure. Intense and rich in flavors with a long, complex finish. In the mouth confirmation of ripe black fruit, mulberry, cassis, chocolate, black pepper, leather and toasty notes. Ready to drink now, but it can mature in bottle for a few years more! This is a wine that can be easily called a top wine!

Best with:

game meat, rib-eye steak, pheasant, partridge; mature yellow cheese