Melnik is a rare dark-skinned red grape variety native to Struma Valley located in the south-west of Bulgaria. The grape variety has been planted there from centuries and it is a very late-maturing, high-yielding vine sensitive to frost, susceptible to both types of mildew and relatively resistant to botrytis. It has very small berries with thick dark blue skin producing rich wines with high acid and tannin content with spicy aromas of tobacco, wild berries and good ageing potential. The best expressions of the grape variety are matured in Bulgarian oak, and are among the best and sought after red wines in Bulgaria. Outside the country is nowhere to be found.