Melnishki Rubin is a relatively rare and modern Bulgarian red grape variety created by crossing Shiroka Melnishka Loza (SML) and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was developed to combine the international structure and intensity of Cabernet with the spicy, earthy personality of the native Melnik vine. Found primarily in the Struma Valley and the foothills near Sandanski, it’s a rare but increasingly admired variety in boutique cellars.
Serving
17-18°C
Oversized
45-60 min
Food Pairing
Melnishki Rubin is a natural match for grilled lamb chops, braised beef, venison ragù, and dishes rich in herbs and umami. It’s firm tannins and generous body stand up beautifully to smoked meats and hard cheeses.
What to Look For?
Look for deep garnet hues, a bouquet of black fruits and spice, and a palate that finishes long with hints of graphite, oak, and herbs.
Cellaring Potential
This wine ages gracefully for 7–10 years, developing savory layers, forest-floor notes, and a refined structure.
Fans of Melnishki Rubin might also enjoy Cabernet Franc for its herbaceous lift or Rubin(Nebbiolo × Syrah) for its elegant tannins and floral complexity.
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Grape ID
Typical PDOs:
Struma Valley, Lyubimets
Soil-Climatic Zoning:
Melnik, Rila-Rhodopes
Origin:
Bulgaria
VIVC/Soil-climatic zoning:
Melnik, Rila-Rhodopes
Ampelographic Region:
Not mapped
Geo-Proximity:
Southwestern Bulgaria
Closest PGI:
Thracian Valley
Grape Color:
Noir
Grape Type:
New, Crossbred
Parent Grapes:
Shiroka Melnishka X Cabernet Sauvignon
Note: Typical PDO: Specifies the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) where wines made from this grape variety are officially recognized according to their technical dossiers; Typical PGI: Identifies the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) regions where this grape variety is considered characteristic; VIVC / Soil-Climatic Zoning: Indicates whether the grape variety is listed in the VIVC (International Variety Catalogue) and whether it aligns with Bulgaria’s historical Soil-Climatic Zoning of 1935—showing if the variety is traditionally recommended or classified for the specific SC regionality; Ampelographic Region: Identifies the ampelographic region based on Bulgaria’s historical Ampelographic Map.
Typical Grape Characteristics
Grape Sugars:
22% to 25%
Grape Acidity:
6g/L to 6.8g/L
Wine Alcohol:
12% to 14.5%
Note: The sugar and acidity levels of the grape syrup, as well as the wine alcohol contents are based on values observed in a typical region under optimal growing and vinification conditions.
Viticulture & Growing Conditions
Yield kg/dec:
800 - 1200
Ripening period:
15 Sep - 5 Oct
Note: The yield and ripening period timeline are based on evidence from a typical region under optimal growing conditions. 10 dec. equals 1000 square meters, or 1 hectare.
