Melnik

This is a bootle of wine made from one of the new Bulgarian grapes which I have not tasted before. Apparently there are a number of grapes named after the town of Melnik, of which Siroka Melnik is the best known, a name sometimes shortened to just Melnik. Siroka Melnik is parent to a number of other grapes including Melnik 82 (crossed with Valdigue) Melnik Yubileen 1300 (crossed with Saperavi)and Ranna Melnishka (crossed with a mixture of pollen including Valdigue).

Back to Siroka Melnishka (or Broadleafed Melnik), which as a varietal takes to oal aging, producing tobacco notes in a wine which has been compared tio Chateauneuf in power and apice. Apparently, one of those who appreciated its wines was Churchill.