Melnik 55, also known as Early Melnik Vine, is a hybrid between Shiroka Melnishka Loza and Valdiguié. It thrives in Bulgaria’s Struma Valley and Melnik region and produces medium-bodied, fruit-forward red wines with soft tannins and a distinct spice character.
Serving
16-18°C
Large glass
10-30 min
Food Pairing
The M55 pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, roasted duck, and traditional Bulgarian stews like kavarma. Its fruit-forward profile and subtle spice make it an excellent match for tomato-based pasta, smoked meats, and semi-hard cheeses.
What to Look For?
A well-made Melnik 55 should have a deep ruby color with garnet reflections, a bouquet of ripe red fruits and exotic spice, and a balanced palate with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed from young to mid-term (3–5 years), Melnik 55 develops more spice and earthy complexity while retaining its fruity core.
Melnik 55 Blending Partners
Melnik 55 shines as a standalone varietal. Blends enhance its fruitiness, spiciness, and structure. Blending partners include its parent grape – Shiroka Melnishka Loza, as well as Melnishki Rubin, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and more rarely, Sangiovese, Marselan, and Mourvedre.
Alternative Grapes
If you enjoy Ranna Melnishka, you may also like Shiroka Melnishka Loza’searthy depth or Gamay’sbright fruitiness and silky texture.
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Grape ID
Typical PDOs:
Harsovo, Melnik, Sandanski, Stuma Valley
Soil-Climatic Zoning:
Melnik, Rila-Rhodopes
Origin:
Bulgaria
Location:
Southwestern Bulgaria
Closest PGI:
Thracian Valley
Grape Color:
Noir
Grape Type:
New, Crossbred
Parent Grapes:
Shiroka Melnishka X Valdiguie (Dyurif and Zhyurason - not confirmed)
Note: Typical PDO: Specifies the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) where wines made from this grape variety are officially recognized according to their technical dossiers; Typical PGI: Identifies the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) regions where this grape variety is considered characteristic; Soil-Climatic Zoning: Indicates the connection to Bulgaria’s Soil-Climatic Zoning of 1935, confirming if the grape variety is traditionally grown in the designated PDO territory; Ampelographic Region: Identifies the ampelographic region based on Bulgaria’s historical Ampelographic Map.
Typical Grape Characteristics
Grape Sugars:
20% - 24%
Grape Acidity:
6g/dm3 - 8g/dm3
Wine Alcohol:
12% - 14.5%
Note: The sugar and acidity levels of the grape syrup, as well as the wine alcohol contents are based on values observed in a typical region under optimal growing and vinification conditions.
Viticulture & Growing Conditions
Yield kg/dec:
1300 - 1700
Ripening period:
Oct 1 - Oct 25
Note: The yield and ripening period timeline are based on evidence from a typical region under optimal growing conditions. 10 dec. equals 1000 square meters, or 1 hectare.
