Table of Contents
Introduction
Moldova remains one of Europe’s hidden gems when it comes to wine, with a winemaking tradition stretching back over 5000 years. Known as a top wine producer in the former Soviet Union, Moldova has flown under the radar for many international wine lovers. However, this small country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine offers affordably priced wines of surprising quality. With its moderate continental climate, rich soils, and dedicated winemakers carrying on old traditions, Moldova has all the ingredients for excellent wine production.
From small family-run wineries to massive underground cellars, Moldova rewards visitors with a unique wine experience. As global interest in exotic wine regions grows, Moldova’s wine potential is finally getting recognized. Let’s explore this country’s fascinating wine heritage and rising prominence as an up-and-coming European wine destination.
Moldova’s Wine Regions
Moldova contains five main wine regions, each with their own distinct terroirs and grape varieties.
Codru
The Codru region in central Moldova produces some of the country’s best reds. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are popular varieties grown in this hilly, forested area.
Valul lui Traian
This southern region along the Prut River focuses on fresh whites like Riesling, Muscat, and indigenous Feteasca. The Traian Valley’s hillsides provide excellent sun exposure for grapes.
Stefan Voda
Home to Moldova’s sparkling wine production, Stefan Voda utilizes limestone subsoils for growing Aligote, Elbling, and other Champagne grape varieties. This area provides ideal conditions for the production of high-quality Methode Champenoise sparkling wines.
Balti
The northern Balti region concentrates on table wines from classical European grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Muscat. This continental climate with hot summers and cold winters imparts intensity of flavor.
Cahul
Southern Cahul exhibits a Mediterranean influence, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscat, and indigenous Plavai grapes thriving. The sandy soils and abundant sunshine produce full-bodied reds and floral whites.
Purcari
The small Purcari region along the Dniester River crafts acclaimed red and white wines from French varietals. Its microclimate allows later-ripening grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc to develop intense fruit flavors.
Main Grape Varietals
Beyond international favorites like Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, Moldova cultivates several indigenous grape varieties that make its wines truly unique.
Rara Neagra
Moldova’s most planted red grape, Rara Neagra produces deep ruby-colored wines with aromas of dried cherry and spice. This late-ripening varietal yields medium to full-bodied wines with rich fruit and soft tannins.
Feteasca
Several varieties of this aromatic white grape exist. Feteasca Regala and Feteasca Alba are popular for their floral and citrus notes. These grapes maintain natural acidity, crafting refreshing wines.
Plavai
Found mainly in southern Moldova, Plavai produces full-bodied reds with dried fruit flavors and savory herbaceousness. This late-ripening grape responds well to oak aging, gaining complexity over time.
Malbec
Lesser-known Moldovan Malbec bears similarities to its famous Argentine cousin – deep color, robust tannins, plum and dark berry flavors. Moldova’s limestone soils tame Malbec’s naturally high acidity.
Merlot
Merlot thrives in Codru’s hills, producing elegantly structured reds with cherry, spice and chocolate notes. Early-ripening Merlot retains bright fruitiness in Moldova’s continental climate.
Pinot Noir
Elegant Pinot Noir reaches full potential in Moldova’s cooler northern regions. These medium-bodied reds combine red berry flavors with earthiness and subtle oak influences.
Unique Aspects of Moldovan Wine
Several key factors give Moldovan wines their distinctive identity and high quality, from winemaking techniques to terroir.
Long History
Wine has been produced in Moldova since 3000 BC starting with ancient Greek colonists. For centuries, Moldovan wines have supplied the Russian tsar’s court and decorated the tables of royal families across Europe. This extensive winemaking past has refined the traditions still practiced today.
Winemaking Influences
While part of the Russian empire, Moldova’s winemakers adopted the techniques of France and Italy to elevate their wines’ quality. Today, classical European methods like extended maceration for reds and aging in oak are employed alongside modern technology.
Small Boutique Wineries
Unlike some Eastern European countries that emphasize mass production, the majority of Moldovan wineries are small family-run estates focusing on traditional winemaking. Their attention to detail and use of estate-grown grapes enables superior quality control from vine to bottle.
Value Pricing
Due to lower land and labor costs, Moldovan wines offer better value than Western European wines of comparable quality. Robust reds and complex whites sell for a fraction of the cost of their French or Italian counterparts.
Wine Tourism in Moldova
From vineyard strolls to grand cellars to folk festivals, Moldova provides numerous ways to experience its rich wine culture.
Guided Tours and Tastings
Most wineries welcome visitors for tours, barrel room visits, and tasting their wines paired with local cheeses, meats, and breads. Some larger wineries like Cricova and Milestii Mici have converted their massive aging cellars into virtual wine museums.
Local Guest Houses
For total immersion into rustic wine country life, visitors can stay in family-run guest cottages on vineyard estates. These intimate country accommodations may offer home-cooked meals from ingredients grown on site.
Festivals and Events
Moldova celebrates its wine heritage through lively seasonal festivals. The Day of Wine takes place each October in Chisinau, highlighting the year’s new vintages alongside music and arts. Many wineries host grape harvest celebrations in autumn as well.
Notable Moldovan Wineries
From mega underground cellars to boutique family operations, these names represent the best of Moldovan wine.
Cricova
Cricova’s gigantic limestone caverns were originally excavated for wine storage but now contain a virtual wine museum and winery. Visitors tour this underground labyrinth in trains or 4WD vehicles, stopping for tastings along the way.
Asconi
The Asconi family grows indigenous varietals on their estate, crafting excellent examples of little-known wines like Rara Neagra, Feteasca, and Plavai. Their small winery provides an intimate tasting experience.
Castel Mimi
This renowned producer excels with Bordeaux-style blends, Cabernet Franc, and oak-aged Pinot Noir. Castel Mimi’s futuristic hilltop winery was partly funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Chateau Vartely
Chateau Vartely focuses on sparkling wines produced via the Methode Champenoise. Their ornate chateau provides a fairy-tale backdrop for tasting bubblies alongside fresh sturgeon from Vartely Lake.
Purcari
One of Moldova’s most acclaimed wineries, Purcari produces elite reds and whites from estate vineyards. Using French and Italian techniques, their wines consistently earn international awards.
Pairing Moldovan Wines with Food
From rustic country cooking to cosmopolitan cuisine, the diversity of Moldovan food provides endless pairing possibilities with local wines.
Traditional Dishes
Savor indigenous grapes like Rara Neagra and Plavai alongside Moldova’s national dish – mamaliga cornmeal with salty brinza cheese and smoky carnati sausage. Feteasca’s bright acidity balances out savory dolma stuffed grape leaves.
Cheese and Meat
Brinza cheese and grilled kebab meats pair wonderfully with many Moldovan reds. Delicate Pinot Noir matches up with herb-crusted branza cheese. Bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements seared lamb kebabs flavored with multi-ethnic spices.
Produce
The abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs in Moldovan cuisine allow for diverse wine pairings. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements a salad of early summer strawberries, cucumbers and dill. Earthy Pinot Noir enhances roasted beets and mushrooms topped with walnuts.
Future of Moldovan Wine
While upholding centuries-old traditions, Moldovan winemakers also look to the future.
Preserving History
As worldwide interest in indigenous grapes grows, Moldova is well-poised to promote near-extinct varietals like Grasa, Plavai and Viorica. Prized old vines continue being cultivated. Some cellars still employ massive centuries-old wooden presses. These historical touches enrich Moldova’s wine identity.
Sustainable Farming
More producers are embracing organic viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Cover crops improve soil health while decreasing chemical usage. Moldova’s warm climate is suited for “natural wine” production with less added sulfites. These eco-friendly approaches appeal to modern consumers.
Agritourism
Wineries are investing in enhanced tourism facilities from restaurants to luxury suites. Guests can immerse themselves in the complete wine lifestyle – tasting, vineyard walks, local cuisine, folk music and more. This provides traveler appeal while boosting wine sales.
Conclusion
With its ancient wine heritage and dedication to upholding tradition using modern quality practices, Moldova shines as an exciting “new old world” wine region. As global interest shifts to lesser-known wine destinations, Moldova deserves its place among hot up-and-coming regions. The country offers adventurous wine lovers one-of-a-kind varietals, tremendous value, and glimpses into unspoiled agrarian lifestyles. For memorable and affordable wine experiences, Moldova’s welcoming cellars and vineyards open their doors.
FAQ
What are the main wine regions of Moldova?
The five major wine regions are Codru, Stefan Voda, Balti, Purcari, and Cahul. Each region has distinct terroir that shapes its wine style and grape varieties.
What grapes is Moldova best known for?
Some of Moldova’s native grape specialties include Rara Neagra, Feteasca, and Plavai. International varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir also thrive in Moldova’s vineyards.
How would you describe Moldovan wine?
Moldovan wines offer remarkable Old World quality at New World prices. Robust reds, crisp whites and elegant sparkling wines display a balance of ripeness and earthiness from Moldova’s ideal growing conditions.
What food pairs well with Moldovan wine?
Traditional cuisine like mamaliga cornmeal, dolma leaves, Branza cheese and grilled meats complement Moldova’s wines. The country’s diverse locally grown produce also enables creative pairings.
Why visit Moldova as a wine tourist?
Moldova provides intimate winery experiences, unique indigenous grapes and wine history spanning millennia. The country’s excellent wines remain affordably priced for travelers. Delicious food, scenic landscapes and welcoming locals further enhance a wine trip to Moldova.