The vines, from grape to the wine
TF "Villa Melnik" Ltd. continues tradition of vine growing and wine making in Sandanski-Petrich region.
We carefully selected and planted our first vines: Broad-leaved Melnik Vine, Early Melnik Vine (Melnik 55), Ruen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, as well as one of the oldest Thracian varieties – Mavrud. So far, we are the only producer in Melnik region who has planted Mavrud.
From the local white grape varieties, we grow Tamyanka, Keratsuda, and Sandanski Misket, and from the international ones, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.
From grape to the wine
Vine harvest
The harvesting of Vintage is one of the most significant events in our region. The Maturation of the grapes is strictly monitored by our team of oenologists and agronomists, as each plot are analyzed, waiting to reach optimum ripeness. All the grapes are picked by hand and in boxes, sorted and used only healthy grains. The grapes are crushed very gently, we separate clusters of grapes and gravitationally transported in a container where alcoholic fermentation takes place.
Fermentation
For cooling of the grapes before fermentation, we are using natural mountain temperatures or additional cooling pulps in heat exchangers. In the fermentation tanks the grapes begin transformation into wine. For the production of quality wines using fermentors with a device for whipping and plunging the cap and pouring pump to provide favorable conditions for the conduct of fermentation and fermenters under pressure, which avoids a solid cap, and is performed organically stirring. Avoid mechanical impact on the wine.
Aging
Once fermentation is complete the wine is aged in Bulgarian, French, American and Hungarian 225 l. oak barrels. The period of aging is determined individually for each wine by our oenologists. The purpose of aging is to allow a wine’s aromas and flavors to develop before it is bottled. Then comes the moment of mixing of the wines to do our coupage wines.
Wine tasting
Villa Melnik winery invites you to join us for an unforgettable journey through time. We offer our guests a wine tour and tasting of our wines, for both group and individual visits. During the wine tour you will have the opportunity to learn how we produce and store our wines, also you will get knowledge on the classification of wines, their identification, proper food combining, etc.