The red wine variety, which is particularly widespread in southwestern Bulgaria, is actually called Shiroka Melnishka, although it is hardly ever sold under this name. This is a long-established grape variety in Bulgaria, the origins and origins of which have not yet been clarified. The Melnik was named after the town of Melnik in southwest Bulgaria at the foot of the Pirin Mountains near the Greek border. The Melnik has medium to large, compact grapes with small, thick-skinned berries. These thick shells also provide some protection against putrefactive diseases. However, the Melnik is susceptible to both real and false Melhtau. Cold winter temperatures can also affect him. The Melnik sprouts late and only ripens very late after a long ripening period. Therefore, it produces the best results in regions with a long, warm and dry autumn. With low yields, the Melnik produces an intense, dense and full-bodied red wine that, on the one hand, can mature and age properly and, on the other hand, also responds well to aging in barriques. The Melnik can also be processed well into semi-dry and sweet wines. Around 2,700 hectares are currently in production, the majority of which is in the Struma Valley in southwest Bulgaria. There are no known occurrences of Melnik outside Bulgaria.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Chiroka Melnichka, Chiroka Melnichka Losa, Melnik 55, Melnitchko, Schiroka Melnischka Losa, Shiroka Melnishka, Shiroka Melnichka Loza
