Uncorking Moldova – Three Wines To Try Now

Wine Pairing Weekend’s wine writers are heading to Moldova this month.  A special thanks to Jeff at FoodWineClick for hosting this month’s wines from Wine of Moldova.  Click here to read more about Jeff’s visit to this intriguing wine region.

We are uncorking Moldova.  Where is Moldova you ask?   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.  Wine is an integral part of the Moldavian culture.

The wines of Moldova may be new to me but Moldova has a rich and long history of winemaking. The history of wines in Moldova starts in 3000 BC, while the first vines were recorded here 7000 years BC. Ancient petrified grapes seeds and amphorae from 2800 BC have been excavated.

Moldova Wine Terroir

Landlocked Moldova has a unique topography with hills, plateaus, plains, rivers and streams.  Its moderate climate and influences from the sea, provide for a long growing season. Its terroir is ideal for grape growing.  An interesting fact is that Moldova is on the same latitude(46º-47º) as many other prominent wine regions, like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne.

Moldova produces more wine per capita than any other country.  3.8% of the land or 112,000 hectares planted to vines.  There are 30 grape varieties that are cultivated in Moldova, with three main wine regions; Valul lui Traian (southwest), Stefan Voda (southeast), and Codru (central).

Moldova Grape Varieties

International varieties are a part of the viticulture of Moldova along with local indigenous grapes.  70 % are white varieties (Rkatsiteli, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Aligote) and 30% are red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Saperavi).  Winemakers are talented, passionate and authentic, focusing on indigenous varieties like Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Plavai, Viorica, etc.

Wine is an integral part of daily life in Moldova, as is evident in their wine scene, in bars, restaurants, and most notably their incredible cellars.  Their colossal underground cellars are world-renowned and recognized by the Guinness. Wine cellars are also prominent in all homes.

Moldovan Wines To Try Now

Cricova Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

Cricova is the biggest and one of the most impressive wine cellars from Europe. Their history starts in 1952. The history of “Cricova” Winery became a part of the Moldovan national history because of being instrumental in a matter of development and assertion of the wine-growing sector inside the country, as well as spreading its fame abroad.

Their pride is a sparkling wine produced according to the French classic method -“Méthode Champenoise”, discovered by the reputable monk Dom Pierre Perignon and the remarkable still wines that are famous in the whole world.

Pinot Noir crafted based on the Methode Champenoise with second-in bottle fermentation for a minimum of 24 months. Elegant with fine bubbles, light yellow straw color, delicate aromas, fruitiness and fine minerality of the taste. Very balanced and light on the palate. Excellent on its own and a great companion to oysters, red or black caviar, cheeses and walnuts or almonds, but also pairs well with more complex dishes like pasta or risotto.

Viorica 2018

Traditionally, Viorica is a female name in Moldova, and also the traditional name for violets. This wine is called Viorica because it is made from the indigenous Moldovan grape by the same name. The wine has great fineness, opening up with primarily floral aromas, then evolves into remarkable flavors of muscat. It has rich tastes and medium body, with an elegant aftertaste of fresh grapes. It is well balanced with a well-defined taste of freshness.  It pairs perfectly with fish, white meat, and summer salads.

Chateau Vartely Indvido Saperavi 2017

According to the winemaking standards of the Old World and the New World, Château Vartely is a fairly young winery that has managed in a short period of time to become a company emblematic of its country.

A dry red wine, of the famous Georgian variety Saperavi, makes Individo Saperavi an appreciated wine. Bold and extractive, with elegant shades of oak, the wine wins you over with its fruity aroma of blackberries, cranberries and spicy notes. The wine is aged for 12 months in barrels.  This Saperavi pairs well with lamb kebabs, hard cheeses, and oyster mushrooms.

 

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Wine Pairing Weekend Group Adventure with Wines of Moldova

Take a look below at all the great ideas our Wine Pairing Weekend group has for your Moldovian Adventure! If you’d like to know more, join our chat on Twitter Saturday, July 10th from 11-12pm EST. Just look us up at #WinePW.

• Andrea at The Quirky Cork shares “Cooking Out with Moldovan Wine”
• Liz at What’s in that Bottle shares “Moldova Mashup: Wines of Moldova & Foods of the World“
• Terri at Our Good Life shares “Special Celebration and Moldova Wines”
• Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm shares “Smoked Pot Roast with a Negru de Purcari from Moldova”
• David at Cooking Chat shares “Ground Beef Chili with Red Wine from Moldova”
• Deanna at Asian Test Kitchen shares “Pairing Moldovan Wine with Burmese Cuisine”
• Linda at My Full Wine Glass shares “Finally, a grill! Just in time for Moldovan wine pairing”
• Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “Maidens from Moldova + Summer Suppers”
• Jennifer at Vino Travels Italy shares “A Look into the Wines of Moldova”
• Jane at Always Ravenous shares “Savory Cheese Crostata Paired with Moldovan Wines”
• Michelle at Rockin Red Blog shares “Discovering Wines of Moldova.”
• Cindy at Grape Experiences shares “Have You Tasted Wines from Moldova? Try These!”
• Rupal at Syrah Queen shares “Uncorking Moldova – Three Wines To Try Now”
• Martin at Enofylz Wine Blog shares “Getting To Know the Wines of Moldova”
• Nicole at Somms Table shares “Tasty Moldovan Food & Wine Explorations”
• Gwendolyn at Wine Predator shares “Moldova: Bubbles, Red Blend, and …Pizza? Yes!”
• Pinny at Chinese Food and Wine Pairings shares “Moldovan Wines and Korean Sushi – Kimbap”
• Susannah from Avvinare shares “Moldova – An Ancient Country with Beautiful Wines to Discover”
• Jeff at Food Wine Click! shares “Cabin Pairings for Moldovan Wines”