Ayano

Style: Dry Red wine

Grape Variety: 100 % Shiroka Melnishka loza (Broadleaved Melnik vine)

Analysis: Alcohol – 12,85 abv. % ; Sugars – 1,6 g/L; TA – 4,78 g/L

Terroir:: The vineyards are located in the lands of the villages of Harsovo and Kromidovo. The average age of the vines is around 50 years, and they are grown by following biodynamic viticulture practices. Their deep root system helps supply them with mineral substances and elements, which inevitably reflects on the structure and terroir expression of the resulting wine. The climate in the area is warm, thanks to the air currents coming from the Aegean Sea, but in the evening cooler breezes descend from the surrounding mountains, which contribute to the larger diurnal amplitudes. This Mediterranean influence also determines the minimum rainfall in August and maximum after harvest (at the end of October), which helps to achieve optimal ripening of the grapes of this endemic late-ripening variety. The soils in Harsovo are sandy with a high percentage of limestone and a low content of humus and have the light whitish colour specific to the region of Melnik. The soils in the plots around the village of Kromidovo are much heavier, with more limestone and have a reddish-brown colour due to the high iron content. These differences in the terroir determine the complexity of the wine.

Vinification

The harvest takes place on October 21, after reaching the desired organoleptic characteristics of the fruit. Alcoholic fermentation starts after two days of cold maceration. The process is carried out at lower temperatures than those typical for red wine fermentation and with isolated and selected yeasts from our vineyards. After completion of this stage, the wine is separated from the solid parts and goes through malolactic fermentation. After that 50% of the quantity matures in old oak barrels for a period of ca. 1 year.

Tasting notes:

The colour is typical of the variety, transparent, sparkling ruby red. Complex nose with plenty of ripe and juicy cherries and sourcherries, tobacco and dark chocolate. The same aromas are sensed in the taste with some additional hints of smoke and herbs. The wine is very elegant, medium bodied and finishes with a rich aftertaste, sufficiently long and memorable.

Sour Cherry

Chocolate

Hints of smoke and herbs

Food pairing:

Due to it’s elegant and delicate structure the wine would go well with fresh salads in combination with light meats without heavy sauces but also with a wide range of vegetarian dishes. For the more curious drinker we recommend to experiment with light desserts and fruit cakes. dinner.

Soft Cheese

Roasted Vegetables

White Meats