If you’ve never tried a Bulgarian Melnik, this is your moment. Melnik 55 is one of Bulgaria’s most celebrated indigenous grape varieties, named after the ancient town of Melnik in the Struma Valley — a region with a winemaking history stretching back thousands of years. Logodaj Winery is one of its finest modern interpreters, and this 2024 is a genuinely compelling wine. Deep ruby in the glass, the nose is rich and inviting — black cherries, dark berries, sweet spice, and a seductive vanilla note from careful oak ageing. On the palate it’s medium to full-bodied with a lovely softness, and the finish is long and warming, with a characteristic whisper of black pepper and tobacco that is the hallmark of this remarkable grape. The kind of wine that starts a conversation — and then wins it.