2022 Logodaj Winery - Early Melnik Thracian Valley Melnik 55 (750ml)

Logodaj Winery was founded in 1994 in the Struma Valley, one of the sunniest and hottest corners of Bulgaria, near the country's borders with Greece and North Macedonia. The estate farms more than seven hundred decares of vineyards and has worked since 2011 under the guidance of the internationally known enologist Riccardo Cotarella, blending local winemaking tradition with modern technique to showcase grape varieties found almost nowhere else in the world.

Melnik 55, also called Early Melnik, is a hybrid created by crossing the ancient Broad Leaved Melnik Vine with the French variety Valdiguié, developed specifically to ripen earlier than its parent while keeping its depth and character. After hand harvesting, the grapes undergo cold maceration for several days before fermenting in stainless steel. The wine then ages for about a year in a combination of French oak barriques and larger Slavonian oak barrels, where it also completes malolactic fermentation.

The finished wine shows a deep violet color with layered aromas of cherry and fresh berry fruit, accented by herbs, spice, and a touch of vanilla from the oak. On the palate the tannins are silky and soft, leading into a rich, persistent finish. It pairs especially well with lamb, along with other grilled or roasted meats.