Wine Of Moldova invites us and wine lovers around the world to celebrate Moldova Wine Day. Join the celebrations on October 3rd and 4th by exploring the glorious wines of Moldova for the 19th annual edition of National Wine Day!
Where is Moldova you ask? Don’t worry, when I first explored Moldova wines I asked the same question. It is situated in Eastern Europe, just north of the Black Sea, Moldova is nestled in between Ukraine & Romania. This former Soviet state is rapidly becoming a prominent player in the world of wine. The Moldavians take wine really seriously, according to their constitution, wine is recognized as food and is an integral part of the Moldavian culture.
Moldova has a rich and long history of winemaking which dates back to 3000 BC, and the first vines were recorded here 7000 years BC. Ancient petrified grapes seeds and amphorae from 2800 BC have been excavated.
The last decade has been exciting for Moldovan wines. There has been a quiet revolution within the area that has immensely improved the quality of the wines. The Moldovan wine sector has introduced The National Office for Vine and Wine (ONVV), whereby created protected geographical indications and a vine register. In 2019 Moldovan wines have been awarded 740 medals at world-renowned international wine competitions.
Moldova Grape Varieties
Moldova cultivates many international grape varieties, but what makes the wine exceptional and unique are the local grape varieties. There are 112,000 hectares of vines of which 70% are white varieties (Rkatsiteli, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Aligote, etc.) and 30% are red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Saperavi, etc.).
The reason I enjoy drinking and exploring Moldovan wines is the local varieties that are found nowhere else in the world. Buckle your seatbelts and travel virtually through your wine glass and explore the authentic grape varieties of the region.
Feteasca Alba
This variety has been cultivated for centuries in this region. The wines made from it are fine, with floral aromas, and are light and fresh. As a result of natural cross-breeding with Furmint, Feteasca Regala was obtained, which is another indigenous variety. This grape is used a lot for sparkling wine production, but also for varietal Feteasca wine.
Feteasca Regala
Feteasca Regala is a light-skinned grape variety and is one of three varieties in this part of the world named Feteasca. Regala means royal, and so Feteasca Regala roughly translates to “princess”. The grapes are aromatic with green apple and tropical fruit characters and can be vinified in an off-dry style as well. Feteasca Regala responds well to oak aging, which can add complexity to the wines.
Feteasca Neagra
With a history of over 2000 years, this variety originates in Moldova, in the Prut River Valley. Wines made of this variety stand out by its rich bouquet of forest fruit and wild cherry aromas, as well as the long and fruity aftertaste.
Viorica
Viorica is a local grape variety grown in Moldova that is rightly considered a symbol of Moldovan white wines. It is a fresh, aromatic, crisp white wine that is a hybrid of from Seibel 13666 and Aleatico.
Moldova Wines To Try Now
Castel Mimi Feteasca Alba 2018
Castel Mimi is the first wine castle (Chateau) in Moldova, built-in 1903 on the Bulboaca estate, at the initiative of the then governor, Constantin Mimi. Having studied in France the governor was influenced by French architecture which compelled him to design the castle in a similar fashion. Today Castel Mimi is a leading national tourist attraction and among the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of the wine world.
This is an easy and elegant wine that declares at first its nuances with citrus aromas. The wine gradually opens to fresh notes of apricot, with a discreet acidity.
Suvorov-Vin Viorica 2018
Suvorov-Vin is one of the biggest and most flexible wineries from Moldova,
was founded in 1998. The name of the winery originates from a nearby close historical Monument from the Russo-Turkish war – “The hill of Suvorov”.
This wine has a great personality with freshness and a full body. The wine opens with floral aromas and then evolves in the glass with complex flavors. It has richness and elegance with an aftertaste of fresh grapes. A wine with great balance and definition.
Purcari Rosu de Purcari 2015
Nestled in the countryside unfurling between the Dniester River and the Black Sea, Purcari’s modern technologies and traditional delights rest among verdant hillsides. Nearby lakes offer fishing, boating, and other relaxing pursuits that heighten the senses.
Rosu de Purcari is a revelation for wine lovers: ripe, rich, and full of flavor. The wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Malbec. It has a brick-red color and complex aromas of forest fruits, cranberries, and dried plums revealing delicate sweet nuances of vanilla. The fruit flavor surprises through its refinement, deepness and smoothness, ensuring a long-lasting aftertaste.
Radacini Ampre Saperavi & Feteasca Neagra & Merlot 2018
At Radacini, they are not trying to impress you with century-old histories, underground cellars or chateaus. They believe that the most precious thing in a good wine is an expressive bouquet, which speaks for itself.
Beautiful red – purple-colored wine shows a bright bouquet of ripe black fruits & berries: plum, black cherry jam, sour cherry are joined by notes of black pepper and thyme. The taste is spicy and fruity with a leathery accent.
Welcome to the first edition of World Wine Group, a new area of focus from the same group of writers that collaborate with the French Winophiles, Wine Pairing Weekend, and Italian Food Wine Travel. My fellow wine writers and I are exploring wine regions around the world with the World Wine Group. This month all roads lead to Moldova. Click on the links below to read more about Moldova wine, food and travels.
Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “Two Indigenous Moldovan Grapes – Fetească Albă and Fetească Neagră – Paired With Colțunași Harnici (Hard-Working Dumplings)”
Wendy from A Day In The Life On The Farm is “Celebrating the Food and Wine of Moldova”
David from CookingChat has “Food Pairings for Moldavan Wines”
Lori from Exploring the Wine Glass shares “Sitting Down with Master of Wine Caroline Gilby to Discuss Moldovan Wine”
Terri from Our Good Life shares “Moldova Wine Day Celebration!”
Linda from My Full Wine Glass is “Celebrating ‘My Wine Day’ and the little country that could”
Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles shares “Moldovan Wine – moving forward while not losing track of the authentic grapes of their past” #WorldWineTravel
Susannah from Avvinare writes “You say Feteasca and I’ll Say Moldova”
Jennifer at Vino Travels tells us about “Eye Openers to the Wines of Moldova”
Melanie from Wining With Mel is “Exploring new territory with Moldovan wines”
Jeff from foodwineclick asks the question “Are Local Grapes the Future of Moldovan Wines?”
Here at Savor the Harvest I share “Moldovan Native Wine Grape Discoveries” #WorldWineTravel
Jill from L’Occasion discusses “Wines of Moldova: Worth the Adventure”
Payal from Keep the Peaspairs “Kashmiri Yakhni Pulao and Moldovan Wine”
Nicole from Somms Table is “Celebrating Moldova National Wine Day with More Food and Wine Explorations”
Rupal at Syrah Queenshares “Celebrate Moldova National Wine Day – Exploring Native Varieties”
Liz Barrett from What’s In That Bottle shares “Moldova National Wine Day is Here!”
Pinny from Chinese Food And Wine Pairings tells us about “Celebrating Moldova National Wine Day with Chinese Food”
Deanna at Asian Test Kitchen
Be sure to catch our Twitter chat #WorldWineTravel on Sunday, October 4th at 11am Eastern Time (ET)
Hi! I’m Rupal.
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