1903 Merlot
β³ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed within 3β7 years from the vintage release.
π½οΈ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, grilled pork chops, medium-aged cheeses
β¨ Technical Specifications
The '1903' series from Tomai-Vineex pays tribute to the historic year when viticulture was formally established in the village of Tomai, located in the Gagauzia region of southern Moldova. Cultivated in the warm, sun-drenched vineyards of the Bugeac Steppe, this Merlot benefits from a unique microclimate where clay-rich soils and gentle southern breezes allow the grapes to develop rich, concentrated flavors. The wine is crafted to showcase a harmonious balance of traditional Moldovan winemaking heritage and modern cellar techniques, resulting in a smooth, medium-bodied red characterized by ripe dark fruit notes and soft tannins.
πΎ About the Producer
Established in 1903 by local winemaker Gheorghii Topciu in the Bugeac steppe of southern Moldova, Tomai (legally structured as S.C. Tomai-Vinex S.A. since 1997) carries forward more than a century of winemaking traditions rooted in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. Benefiting from the sun-drenched rolling hills and fertile chernozem soils of the Valul lui Traian Protected Geographical Indication, the estate operates a closed production cycle spanning vine grafting, viticulture, and vinification. The regional microclimate, situated along the 46th parallel and moderated by the nearby Black Sea basin, produces ripe, balanced fruit with generous phenolic development. Tomai focuses on classic international cultivars and indigenous expressions, fermenting red and white varietals in stainless steel with selective barrel maturation in Moldovan, Russian, and French oak casks. Benchmark bottlings include the estate's flagship Negru de Tomai, RoΘu de Tomai, and the Gagauz and Bugeac varietal collections of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
π Grape Varieties
Merlot