Aya Melnik

Style: Dry Red wine

Grape Variety: 100 % Early Melnik vine

Vintage information: Alcohol – 13,35 abv. %; Residual sugars – 1,9 g/L; Acidity – 6,41 g/L

Terroir:: The fruit comes from young vines that are grown following biodynamic viticulture practices. The climate is warm thanks to the air currents coming from the Aegean Sea along the Struma river valley, but in the evening cooler breezes descend from the surrounding mountains, which contribute to the larger diurnal amplitudes. This Mediterranean influence determines the minimum rainfall in August and the maximum in October-November. Early Melnik vine is a hybrid variety, a cross of Shiroka Melnishka loza (Broadleaved Melnik vine), Durif, Jurançon and Valdigier and is unique to the Sandanski region.

Vinification

The grape harvest, entirely by hand, took place on September 27. The alcoholic fermentation process starts after two days of maceration at low temperatures and daily pump over. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a temperature of 15-20 oС, the idea is to preserve fresher and more fruity nuances in the profile of the wine. After completion of fermentation, no post-fermentative maceration takes place, and the wine is separated from the solids within a day. Malolactic fermentation and aging of 75% of the wine takes place in an old oak barrel for a period of 8 months. The rest of the blend is stored and matured in stainless steel vessels. The quantity is limited in a series of 400 bottles only.

Tasting notes:

The colour is purple red and the aroma is fruity with the characteristic nuances of black cherry and hints of vanilla followed by mocha and cocoa. This is a medium to full bodied wine with well preserved freshness and structured tannins. The aftertaste has a slight sweetness and the finish is long and memorable.

Fruity

Hints of vanilla

Food pairing:

The wine pairs well with roasted and cooked meats, with or without sauces, with grilled or fresh vegetables. Light cakes with chocolate or fruits can also be an interesting combination with the fruity taste of wine.

Roasted Meat

Cooked Meat

Grilled or fresh vegetables

Chocolate and fruits