DIVUS WINERY | Merlot Spiritualis | 2019
merlot

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Divus Winery is nestled in the picturesque Valul lui Traian region in southern Moldova, where tradition meets modern winemaking. Founded with a passion for crafting exceptional wines, the winery blends its rich historical heritage with contemporary winemaking techniques in order to deliver wines of premium quality.
Today we are going to review a quite remarkable, single-varietal merlot wine that comes from the Valul lui Traian region, situated in the south of Moldova – Merlot Spiritualis 2019 by Divus Winery. Made of carefully hand-picked merlot grapes that were sourced from the estate’s best south-facing sites, this wine has been produced in a limited edition of only 666 bottles and has been aged for 18 months only in new, french oak barriques, with some additional time of bottle ageing, before it was deemed ready to be released on the market. Merlot is usually regarded as the underdog to the highly priced cabernet sauvignon or cabernet franc varieties, but make no mistake, merlot wine is first class, as it is more versatile and ripens earlier than both cabernet grapes, responds well to oak ageing and can be grown in both, cool climate and warm climate regions with the same success.

Valul lui Traian IGP boasts a warm continental climate that is ideal for viticulture, especially suited for red grape varieties. The region’s geography forms a harmonious balance between warm summer days and cool nights, which is essential for achieving optimal ripeness and for the development of rich flavors in the grapes. The soil here is predominantly clay, limestone, and a bit of sandy loam, ensuring excellent drainage and providing the necessary nutrients to the vines, ideal for cultivating high-quality grapes. Compared to similar wines from other regions, those from Valul lui Traian region are capable to showcase a robust aromatic intensity brought by the unique climatic and soil characteristics of the region.

color: deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim of the glass

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby color with hazy ruby shades at the rim, which hints at the wine’s rich aromatic vibrancy.

intensity: pronounced & vibrant
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the nose, the wine is pronounced and vibrantly-alluring, offering a bouquet of ripe and dried fruits. Expect to discover notes of bitter cherries, dark plums, blackberries, and hints of dried figs intertwined with delicate spices and a touch of oak-derived notes. The aromatic complexity is both intriguing and inviting, complemented by a subtle layer of dusty earthiness that complement the overall aromatic profile.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: pleasantly-seedy

On the palate, the wine delivers a grippy mouthfeel that is complemented by vibrant acidity. The interplay of ripe fruit flavors and hints of earthy minerality create a harmonious balance that keeps the palate engaged throughout the entire tasting cycle. The time spent in the oak definitely adds depth and complexity, contributing nuanced flavors of tobacco and toasted oakwood, without overwhelming the vibrancy of the fruit, nor those subtle hints of dustiness that can be attributed to the local terroir.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within the next 2 or 3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a remarkable example of moldovan craftsmanship, striking a perfect balance between tradition and modern winemaking. Its refined tasting profile is both complex and approachable, making it a must-try for wine enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate a top-notch merlot. Currently at its peak, the wine offers a drinking window of the next 2 to 3 years, during which it may develop additional complexity and perhaps even a touch of right-bank Bordeaux-like finesse.

DIVUS WINERY | Merlot Spiritualis | 2019
variety: merlot
country: Moldova
region: Valul lui Traian
rating: 94.7

This wine pairs lovely with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for many occasion. An ideal pairings would be grilled lamb chops, creamy mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses and cured meat cuts. The wine’s elegant structure and vibrant flavours would complement the delicate notes of each dish, creating an explosion of textures and flavours that would enrich the overall tasting experience.

Located in the Valul lui Traian region, that is rich in winemaking tradition, the Divus Winery reflects the deep-rooted passion for viticulture. Beyond crafting high-quality wines, the winery also aims to educate its visitors about the art of winemaking, fostering a greater appreciation for moldovan wines on the international scene.

predicted RP score: 91+

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!