Aya Estate Melnik 2021, Bulgaria

From Aya Estate in Bulgaria’s Struma Valley, Ayano Melnik 2021 is a dry red wine made from 100% Broadleaf Melnik. Medium-bodied and elegant, it brings together ripe cherries, juicy berries, tobacco and dark chocolate, with hints of smoke and herbs adding further depth.

Fruit comes from vineyards in the villages of Harsovo and Kromidovo, where vines average around 50 years old and are grown using biodynamic viticulture practices. The result is a complex, structured red with a rich aftertaste and a long finish, well suited to lighter meat dishes, vegetable-led cooking and soft, tangy cheeses.

Key features

• 2021 vintage
• Dry red wine
• 12.85% ABV
• Suitable for vegetarians

Tasting notes

Palate

Ripe and juicy berries, sour cherries, tobacco and dark chocolate, with hints of smoke and herbs

Finish

Rich aftertaste with a long, memorable finish

Serving suggestion

Pairs with lighter meat dishes such as fresh meat salads, vegetarian dishes such as ratatouille, light desserts and fruit cakes. Also suited to goats’ cheese or sheep’s milk cheese.

Rackhams Reference : UCLS521NSF