Founded in 1893 by pioneer Constantin Mimi, oenologist and the last governor of Bressarabia (Moldovan Province) under the Russian empire. This estate and wine producing country is rich in history, with winemaking starting in 5000bc – there is even evidence of wine trading with the Greeks, Scythians and the Romans around this time. Today, Castel Mimi remains as the only castle in Moldova and is owned by the Trofim family who are third generation local winemakers.
Codru Region
Codru is Moldova's largest wine producing region with around 61,200 ha of vineyards, followed by Stefan Voda and Valul lui Traian. The region has many microclimates due to the 25% coverage of Oak and Linden forests creating wind breaks and pockets of biodiversity.
Moldova is situated between 45 - 47 degrees North and is land locked which presents itself as a mild continental climate.
Quality wines are achievable from the limestone rich soils alongside light chernozem (Dark soil) with max. 4% humus content, mixed with sand and clay. This mosaic of soil sturcture enables Castel Mimi to create a vast range of quality wines.
Viticulture
Castel Mimi has Constantin to thank for the initial diversity and quality of its vineyards. Constantin was the first to bring American rootstock to Moldova inhibiting Phylloxera. Indigenous and international grapes were grafted and Aligote was introduced, which is now a staple in Moldovan wine production.
All 170 hectares are hand picked and found nestled between woods, fruit orchards and running alongside the Nistru River (also known as Dniestr).
Organic viticulture is being practiced in many vineyards and are currently in transition soon to produce 100% organically certified wines.
Grapes planted by Castel Mimi;
Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Viorica, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Aligote, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Riesling, Glera.
Notable Varieties
Feteasca Alba
Also known as the White Maiden, who is known to be pure and delicate much like how the Roman's once perceived the wine made form this grape.
Medium acidity and can have higher ABV as is a late ripener. Aromatic with citrus and peach character. Can make high quality barrel aged wines for aging and sparkling wine.
Feteasca Neagra
This black grape is staple to Moldovan wine production, typically producing wines with high acidity and good levels of sugar. On cool sunny slopes, this variety can produce high quality wines ideal for maturation.
Viorica
This grape is famous to Moldova and typical of the everyday drinking wines in the Country, quite often made in an off-dry style. Noticeably aromatic with a light skin, it is actually a hybrid of two black grapes. Floral, fresh and often with a herbal edge.
Feteasca Regala
The Royal Maiden is grown throughout many Eastern European countries, most notably in Romania and Moldova.
The grapes give unique tropical character with a freshness perfect for aging. Wines can be oak aged, which typically enhances the almond notes.
Rara Neagra
Also known as, Băbească Neagră, this black grape has medium thick skins and tends to produce wines with a bright ruby slightly pink hue. Due to it's lighter fruity characteristics, this grape can be used for a variety of styles from red to sparkling.
Saperavi
Indigenous to Georgia, this grape has made its way to be a star in Moldova, much like many of the Black Sea regions. It produces good yields of high quality and is known for its pink coloured flesh. It can be found in the cooler areas resisting the temperature and growing even more complexity
The Wines
For full wine list & export prices, please contact -
Sustainability
Castel Mimi is currently run on 100% renewable energy and 70% of that is sourced from the company's solar panels.
The new seven chalet, 25 room hotel that has been renovated on the property is Carbon Neutral, and independently produces its own green energy.
Castel Mimi has cut CO2 emissions by seven percent by only using LED lighting throughout the whole estate, plus many materials are recycled to produce interior fittings, such as pallets for furniture and barrels for plates in the restaurants.
The wine production will continue to be farmed as organically as possible, with many vineyards in transition to being certified.
