2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Wide Melnik vine is a local grape variety from which a unique wine is produced. It is characteristic mainly for the southwestern borders of the country and in particular for Melnik, Petrich and Sandanski. It is also managed in the villages of Marikostinovo, Harsovo, Vinogradi and Kapatovo. There are suggestions that the variety has managed to reach Greece and Macedonia.
Like any variety, a wide Melnik vine has its own characteristics. The culture has large, dark green, rounded leaves that are five-parted and very slightly cut. The petiole has a relatively smooth surface. The leaves are provided with large, triangular teeth. The petiole is moderately long, hairy, purple in color. During the autumn months, the leaves change color and begin to turn red.
The wide Melnik vine is bisexual in color. The grapes of this variety are of medium size, but there are also large bunches. It has the shape of a cone or cylinder and is relatively compact. It has a long, not very thick handle. The grains are rounded, colored in dark red or dark blue. They are covered with a wax coating. The meat is watery, with a pleasant and balanced taste. It is covered with a skin that is thick and elastic. High quality table wines are produced from the fruit of the vines.
The wide Melnik vine is a variety that needs sunny weather and a mild climate. In order to grow successfully, it needs a high temperature, especially during the growing season in the spring months. In addition, the variety needs hot summers, warm autumns and mild winters. If all conditions are right, the fruits of the vines can be harvested in October or even after.
With the successful development of the vines, the sugar content of the harvest can reach between 20 and 24 percent. The variety is sensitive not only to temperatures. It has a weakness for gray rot and other diseases that threaten vineyards. Another of its negative qualities is that full ripening of the fruit is quite difficult to achieve.
History of a wide Melnik vine
The wine from wide Melnik vine has an old history. It has been highly valued since the Middle Ages. It is believed that it managed to reach the table of Western nobles, and its consumption was a real privilege. The aristocrats acquired it thanks to merchants in the thirteenth century, who received trade privileges from Tsar Ivan Assen II.
On the other hand, traders supplied the southwestern Bulgarian lands with European goods such as glassware, porcelain dishes, jewelry, fine fabrics and more. There is information that the wine from wide Melnik vine has managed to reach Paris, Barcelona, Liverpool, Genoa, Venice, Vienna, Budapest and others. It is also said to have been Churchill's favorite wine.
Characteristics of a wide Melnik vine
Wide Melnik vine is a variety that is special, not only because it is grown only in our country, but also because of the characteristics it has. It has a deep, garnet red color. Ruby highlights are also characteristic of the drink. The smell of the drink is unforgettable. When inhaled, hints of ripe cherries and small berries such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are immediately felt.
Some producers have the practice of adding spices such as vanilla, thanks to which the wine acquires a clear profile. The taste of the wine is the same as its aroma. The wine obtained from this grape variety acquires even more remarkable qualities after it is left to mature.
Wine producers leave it to age for several years. For this purpose, the barrels with the material are stored in cold rooms located under the Melnik houses. Connoisseurs say that this wine enchants mostly with its density, delicate aroma and pleasant tartness.
Serving a wide Melnik vine
The very presence of the wide Melnik vine at the table is a whole event. However, in order to fully feel the charm of the wine, it should be served slightly chilled. It is best if the temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees. As the lower limit is recommended for younger wines, and the upper for more mature. Serve the wine in a classic red wine glass, distinguished by harmonious curves and small volume.
This type of cup expands slightly in its lower part, and then narrows in the area around the chair. The upper part is also delicately narrowed. The classic red wine glass allows you to feel both the bitter tones of the drink and the sour notes. The same vessel can be used when serving many other red wines.
The wine from wide Melnik vine it is good to combine with beef, beef or lamb dishes. Try combining beer with beef medallions with spinach, beef with mint marinade, Arabic kebab, marinated lamb chops and roast beef with spices. Poultry also complements the taste of this unique Bulgarian wine very well. Dishes that would be very suitable for the wide Melnik vine are chicken with rustic vegetables, stuffed chicken with mushrooms and turkey with cedar nuts.
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