Romania Ukraine

Trajan’s Wall

Includes forest steppe plains and plateaus, with aerated soils, covered with 43.230 ha of vineyards. It has a warm climate with influences from the Black Sea and the forests in the Tigheci Hill. Being specialized in the production of red wines (65 %), the region is also known for its liquorous wines (Ciumai, Trifesti, etc.). It is located between the two Trajan’s Walls that used to protects the Roman Empire from barbarians.

Stefan Voda

Is a wine region in the South-East of Moldova, at a low altitude, which includes the Dniester terraces. The dominant soils are brown chernozem and podzol and the climate is moderately continental, with Black Sea influences. The 15 000 ha of vineyards offer balanced wines with a rich bouquet and particular traits. Rara Neagra is an indigenous variety used to make the wine Negru de Purcari. Other European varieties which have adapted perfectly to this terroir are Feteasca Neagra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, etc.

Balti

Is a region situated in the Northern part of Moldova. It is known for the production of brut wines which is used for making wine vodka, brandies and alcoholized wines.

Codru

Is located in the central part of the country, covered by 52 500 ha of vineyards. It has a fragmented relief of valleys, dales and many small rivers. The oak and linden forests account for 25% of the territory, influencing the microclimate of the region. This zone is favorable for growing varieties for white wine (Feteasca Alba, Muscat, Traminer, Chardonnay, etc.), fine red wines and sparkling wines. The famous underground wine cellars Cricova and Milestii Mici, as well as most of the other wineries are located in this region.

Moldova – The Grape Country

Shaped as a bunch of grapes, Moldova is situated in the South-East of Europe, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, in the Black Sea basin, where the vine originates. The country has a fragmented relief, with low hills, sunny plateaus and plains, crossed by a lot of streams which flow into the two big rivers, Prut and Dniester. Its climate is moderately-continental with influences from the Black Sea. Located at 46-47˚ latitude, just like other famous wine regions in Europe, the vineyards have a terroir suited for the production of quality red wine, in the southern regions and mainly white wine in the central part of the country.

Moldova has 112 thousand hectares of vineyard planted with over 30 types of technical varieties. There are 4 historical wine regions: Valul lui Traian (south west), Stefan Voda (south east), Codru (center), and Balti (North); first three are destined for the production of wines with protected geographic indication:.

10%
local grapes

17%
Caucasian grapes

73%
European grapes

Grape Varieties in Moldova

Viticulture in Moldova follows international trends and includes West European, Caucasian and also indigenous grape varieties. Vineyards cover 112 thousand ha planted with Vitis Vinifera, of which 70 % are white varieties (Rkatsiteli, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Aligote, etc.), preponderantly in the Codru zone and 30% are red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Saperavi, etc.) typical for the southern regions. Aromatic varieties account for 36 % of the vineyards.

The authenticity and uniqueness of Moldovan wines is represented by the indigenous varieties, which account for 10% of the vineyards: Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Plavai, Viorica, etc.

Feteasca Alba

This variety has been cultivated for centuries in this region. The wines made from it are fine, with floral aromas, light and fresh. As a result of natural cross-breeding with Furmint, Feteasca Regala was obtained, which is another indigenous variety.

Feteasca Neagra

With a history of over 2000 years, this variety originates in Moldova, in the Prut river valley. Wines made of it stand out by their rich bouquet of forest fruit and wild cherry gem aromas, as well as the long and fruity aftertaste.

Rara Neagra

Cultivated as early as in the Geto-Dacian times, it has been perfectly adapted to the sunny slopes in the south of Moldova. Wines made of this variety are very fresh, soft in the taste, with notes of dry fruit and vanilla.

Feteasca Alba

Feteasca Neagra

Rara Neagra

The Wines of Moldova

Moldovan wines are emblematic thanks to the specific local terroir. 18 wines were selected to represent the ''Wine of Moldova''.
Tasting notes were written by Caroline Gilby, Master of Wine from London, Great Britain

Cuvée Blanc Et Cetera
2012
S.R.L. Ampelos

Moldova's first genuine estate winery, with its own 50 hectares of vineyards. A truly family operation owned by two brothers inspired by the wines they fell in love with while working in California. 2012 was a very good year and this is a full flavoured blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, all picked together and aged in mixture of Hungarian and American oak, giving creamy vanilla overtones and a smooth rounded texture, with a long clean finish.

Alb de Purcari
2012
Purcari Winery

Blended reds have long history in Moldova and this recently revived historic winery has been inspired to make a white equivalent. It’s a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, hand picked at low yields and fermented in specially selected French oak. It is a refined and elegant blend, nicely harmonious with complexity from the oak supported by underlying freshness and elegance.

Roșu de Bulboaca
2011
Mimi Castle

The premium Mimi range is inspired by the founder of Agrovin Bulboaca back in 1901. The last governor of Bessarabia, Constantin Mimi was first to use gravity flow in his winery, a century before it became standard practice. This blend is based on 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet to give structure and grip, and illustrates the freshness that the Codru region brings to Merlot grown in this cooler zone, while two years ageing in oak has added a layer of subtle complexity.

Codru
2007
S.A. Cricova

Long-lived Cabernet based wines have historically been a feature of Moldova. The vintage of 2007 shows maturity and complexity. It’s 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Merlot so the Cabernet provides the powerful structure and ability to age, and supports the development of secondary characteristics of tobacco and coffee while the Merlot gives dark fruit and flesh on the palate. The legendary limestone tunnels at Cricova provide the ideal environment for ageing.

Taraboste Cuvée
2009
Château Vartely

A serious blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah from Chateau Vartely’s own vineyards in the Valul lui Trajan region of southwest Moldova. Super ripe intense fruit has been carefully selected and aged in new French oak for 24 months. It shows ripe, rich berry fruit, with a subtle hint of Syrah spice, balsamic oak notes and nicely textured tannins. It should age for several years to come.

Black Doctor
2012
Bostavan Winery

Moldovan legend says that a doctor once made a wine that could cure both the soul and the body, people named it Black Doctor. This blend is made from 55% Saperavi, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. The fruit comes from the Etulia, close to the Danube Delta with a distinctly Mediterranean climate giving deep-coloured rich fruit. Saperavi is originally a Georgian grape, noted for its deep purple colour and its distinctive bright acidity and black cherry flavours.

Cuvée Noir
2012
Château Vartely

An intriguing blend showing clearly the sense of place that Rara Neagră can bring to a blend. It combines 42% of this local variety, with better known international flavours from 30% Merlot and 28 % Syrah, to create something uniquely Moldovan but easy to approach. It has a lovely expressive nose with spice, black pepper and ripe strawberry, followed by generous ripe fruit silky tannins and nice balance of freshness, with just 12 months in oak to allow the fruit to shine.

Rara Neagră
2011
Purcari Winery

Known as Băbească Neagră in Romania where it is rarely treated with much respect, but under its other guise of Rara Neagră in Moldova it has found a place where it can show something special. The secret is to handle it like Pinot Noir, being light in colour and tannin. Here it has been hand-picked at low yields, then underwent gentle extraction and ageing in French oak to give this wine refinement and elegance, with notes of wild bilberry, subtle vanilla and a twist of cloves.

Feteasca albă
2012
Vinăria din Vale

This grape originates from somewhere in the Moldovan hills, but has only recently been getting serious attention from winemakers. This producer has recently started to develop a range of bottled wines, able to pick and choose the very best fruit from its 1 300 hectares, and using the best of its state of the art technology to produce bright modern wines like this delicate appealing wine with hints of white peach and zesty acidity.

Feteasca Regală
2013
Château Vartely

An invitingly zesty example of another local grape, the royal offspring of Feteasca Alba. It has a little more intensity than its parent and shows fresh pear and apple blossom aromas, and very crisp, lively, lemony undertones. Very typical of its central Codru origin where the cooler climate is noted for expressive fresh and floral whites, and the German training of the winemaker shows in the precise focussed style.

Cuvée Rouge Et Cetera
2012
S.R.L. Ampelos

The aim of this family-owned winery is to reflect a true sense of terroir. It lies on the bank of the Dniester river, near the Black Sea and the vineyards are managed as ecologically as possible with everything done by hand. A youthful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rara Neagră and Saperavi, picked together so the exact blend depends on what the vineyard produces each year. It has fine tannins, flavours of damson and black cherry, with vibrant acidity and a long finish.

Negru de Purcari
2010
Purcari Winery

A real Moldovan legend revived. Negru de Purcari has a long history, being shipped to both Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II. Revived in 2003, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with classic cassis profile and ability to age, combined with the flavours and lively acidity of Saperavi and the wild strawberry silkiness of Rara Neagră. Picked in late November for maximum flavour intensity, it is aged in French oak for 18 to 24 months and has a long future ahead of it.

Sauvignon Blanc
2012
S.R.L. Asconi

Moldova’s coolest region - Codru produces the most aromatic whites with more delicate body, enhanced here by pioneering use of night harvest to protect the bouquet and retain appetising freshness and purity.

Sauvignon Blanc
2012
S.R.L. Fautor

The Mediterranean influence in Moldova’s sunniest region - Valul lui Traian produces ripe fruit with good body and notes of passion fruit and citrus zest, while the slightly higher altitude means cooler nights to keep enough freshness for balance.

Sauvignon Blanc, Chi
2012
S.A. Cimișlia

Expressive Sauvignon Blanc with good fruit weight from long sunshine hours balanced by moderating breezes from the Black sea to give purity of fruit and fine flavours.

Cabernet Sauvignon
2012
Mimi Castle

The coolest wine region is more famous for its aromatic whites but also has a long history of reds with ageing potential. This Cabernet illustrates this well through its fine flavours and purity of varietal fruit, with fresh acidity and good drinkability.

Cabernet Sauvignon,Via Etulia
2010
Bostavan Winery

Long sunshine hours give good intensity of cassis fruit, but altitude means the wine is fully ripe at moderate alcohol and has fine tannin structure.

Cabernet Sauvignon
2011
S.R.L. Ampelos

Handcrafted Cabernet from the banks of the Dniester river that highlights the intensity and classic structure that the region of Stefan Voda gives to red wines. It has lovely purity of black fruit, well textured, fine-grained tannins and excellent balance with keeping potential too.

Roman Dacia

According to archeological relics, five thousand years ago Dacians (Thracians) were able to make grape wine. One verse in the old Iliad poem (8th century BC) says: “Greek warriors went to Thracia to find wine”. Wine was the wealth, pride and main exchange commodity. The Roman poet Ovidius (43 BC -17 AD), being exiled in these places speaks about the method of making wine concentrate by freezing, which was used by locals. Thus, ancient Dacians not only drank the wine but also ate it, keeping it in a solid state during winter time. Over time, the wine culture in this area modernized due to Greek colonists who brought in new traditions. When the Romans conquered this country (1st c. AD), they discovered here a flourishing viticulture and winemaking culture with rich traditions and therefore continued to develop the wine industry. Wine, along with cereals was among the products with the highest export rates.

Stefan the Great

In the Middle Ages, the state of Moldova continued to be a region where grapes were cultivated and wine was produced; the vineyard owners were the rulers of the country. Viticulture reached its highest level of development in the 15th century, during the reign of Stefan the Great, who established the position of Attendant at the ruler’s residence; the latter was responsible for overseeing vineyards and winemakers to ensure the quality of production. New grape varieties were brought in, indigenous varieties were selected, wine cellars were built and the winemaking process was technologically upgraded. Monasteries became winemaking centers and the wine became part of the Holy Communion and a religious symbol.

Stefan the Great was a defender against the Ottoman Empire’s invasions, protecting the entire territory of Europe and Christianity. History reveals that, being besieged by Turks and Tatars, Moldova’s fortresses served as the major points of resistance against these invaders. Being captured in the Soroca Fortress, without any food and water, the weakened soldiers were saved by a flock of storks that carried grape bunches in their beaks. The fresh berries, as well as the ones fermented by sun, were a source of power, helping them win the fight.

Later on, after the conquest by the Ottoman Empire, Moldova continued to produce wine, this sector being one of significant economic importance, as noted by Dimitrie Cantemir in his book “Descriptio Moldaviae” / ”Description of Moldova” in the 18th century.

Bessarabia under Tsarist Rule

Following the annexation of Bessarabia to the Russian Empire in 1812, winemaking drove the interests of the aristocrats and the Generals of the Russian army. The Russian metropolitan aristocrats made a fashion out of establishing vine plantations, for which they brought in select varieties and well-known specialists from France. Some wine microzones were developed which have excellent potential: Purcari, Lapusna, Bulboaca, Romanesti, and Camenca. Moldovan wine became prestigious at the Tsar’s residence and also in Europe. Thus, at the international exhibition of 1878 in Paris, the wine ‘Negru de Purcari’ obtained a gold medal, after which it was included in the list of procurements for the Russian imperial family and for other nobles in Europe. Winemaking had an ascending trend.

In 1837 Bessarabia produced 10 mln liters of wine per year, which accounted for half of the wine volume produced in the Russian Empire. At the end of the 19th century, wine was actively exported to Europe, which at that time was short of wine because of the phylloxera epidemic. In Moldova secondary viticulture and winemaking schools were opened, as well as a higher education institution – the National College of Stauceni.

Contemporary Moldova

Although the World Wars (I and II) and the revolutions slowed down the development of winemaking in Moldova, under the USSR Moldova became the biggest wine producer - every 2nd bottle of wine consumed in USSR was from Moldova. After the rehabilitation of factories in the ‘60s, underground wine galleries were set up which became legends and tourist attractions: Cricova, Milestii Mici, Branesti - underground cities with streets covering hundreds of kilometers. Approximately 300 thousand hl of wine and a collection of wine bottles running into the millions are stored here. Being subject to dramatic uprooting imposed by Mihail Gorbaciov’s anti-alcohol campaign in the ‘80s, Moldovan winemaking started to revive and to modernize after Moldova obtained its independence in 1991. The wine industry, being privately owned, has aligned istself with international standards whilst at the same time preserving its centuries old traditions. Following the big crises in 2006-2011, Moldova’s wine sector focused on producing quality wines, diversifying its markets and modernizing the industry. Recently, the wine law was reformed, 75 mln euros were attracted for investments in modernization, 4 regions were established for the production of wines with protected geographical indication, and a national program for generic promotion – ‘Wine of Moldova’, was created

Roman Dacia

5th century BC – 2nd century AD
Middle Age

Sec. XV
Bessarabia under Tsarist Rule

Sec. XIX
Contemporary Moldova

Sec. XX - XXI

Outstanding Personalities for the Moldovan Viticulture

Dimitrie Cantemir

(1673-1723) – a ruler of Moldova, philosopher, encyclopedist, and writer.

The monumental work „Descriptio Moldaviae” (1714) writes: „in the 19th century,...

Tsar Alexander II of Russia

Tsar Alexander II of Russia (1855 – 1881). Emperor of Russia, descendant of the Romanov dynasty, Tsar Alexander II was...

Constantin Mimi

(1868 – 1935) governor of Bessarabia, winemaker. Constantin Mimi studied viticulture and winemaking in France, at the Superior School of...

Petru Ungurean

(1894-1975) – scientist, oenologist, founder of the Scientific Oenological School

After having received good education in Krasnodar (Russia), Petru Ungurean devoted...

Dimitrie Cantemir

(1673-1723) – a ruler of Moldova, philosopher, encyclopedist, and writer.

The monumental work „Descriptio Moldaviae” (1714) writes: „in the 19th century, Moldovan wines were in high demand by Russian, Polish, Kazakh, Hungarian and Transylvanian traders. Wine was kept and exported in oak containers. Moldovan oak, appreciated for not developing worms, was used to make tanks, which helped prolong the life period of wine until the following harvest”.

„The abundance of fruits (grapes) is so high that when the Polacks invaded Moldova, they did not find it necessary to bring along supplies. I dare to say that Moldovan wine is better and more refined than other European wines and even better than the wine of Tokay. When preserved in deep and arched cellars for three years, as we do in our country, in the fourth year the wine becomes so strong that it burns as the hot wine”.

Tsar Alexander II of Russia

Tsar Alexander II of Russia (1855 – 1881). Emperor of Russia, descendant of the Romanov dynasty, Tsar Alexander II was known as a big fan of Moldovan wines, especially of the „Negru de Purcari” and also of the white wines. During the period of its rule, the „Bessarabian School of Horticulture” was established, the viticulture was developed by bringing new varieties from the Crimea region, the planting stock was developed, new vineyards were planted and the image of Moldovan wines in Europe was promoted.

Historical sources state that the Romanov family established the vineyards of the Romanesti winery, which was renowned in the entire Russian Empire and later in the whole soviet area. Romanesti winery continued to produce quality wines. Tsar Nicolae II, the grandson of Alexander II, also appreciated the Moldovan wine, especially the Negru de Purcari, maintaining the tradition of serving it during royal celebrations.

Constantin Mimi

(1868 – 1935) governor of Bessarabia, winemaker. Constantin Mimi studied viticulture and winemaking in France, at the Superior School of Agronomy in Montpellier. In 1901, he established a modern winery in Bulboaca, being a big exporter of European varieties to Moscow, Odessa and Vladivostok. In 1915, Constantin Mimi cultivated on the 48 hectares of land varieties such as Aligote, Pinot Gri, Traminer, Cabernet, etc. Under the regime of the Soviet Russia, the territory of the factory was turned into a concentration camp, while his winery and hi+s property were stolen. Being restored in 1952, the winery resumed its activity. In 1998 it was privatized and continued to produce wines according to the quality requirements imposed by Constantin Mimi.

Petru Ungurean

(1894-1975) – scientist, oenologist, founder of the Scientific Oenological School

After having received good education in Krasnodar (Russia), Petru Ungurean devoted himself to the Moldovan wine sector, bringing a huge contribution to its development: he laid the foundation for the production of sparkling wines according to the traditional method, in the Cricova cellars, he studied the local and the Caucasian varieties and saved the vineyards after the phylloxera epidemic. He also made studies for dividing the territory in micro-zones favorable for qualitative viticulture. In that period, grape plantations doubled, reaching 150 thousand ha. Research regarding must fermentation in continuous flow, selection of easts, and the studies on preservation of aromas have helped Moldovan wine industry increase its quality. After 10 years of thorough research of the 4 wine regions, he created wines by blending different varieties of grapes or different brut wines, which were the best expression of Moldova’s terroir: “Alb de Codru”, ”Floarea viei”, ”Codru”. Founder of the scientific school of oenology, Petru Ungurean is a distinguished personality of the contemporary history of Moldovan wine.

Guinness Record

The biggest wine collection in the world with over 1.5 million bottles, recorded in the Guinness Book in 2005 belongs to Moldova.

With the name of “Golden Collection”, it is stored at over 80 meters depth, in gothic style cases, in the underground galleries of Milestii Mici. The oldest wine in the collection dates back in 1969; thousands of bottles of fine, white and red, dry and dessert wines are added to the collection every year. The cellars secure an ideal microclimate for wine ageing, keeping a constant temperature and humidity.

The wines preserved in the “Golden Collection” are exported to a lot of countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Netherlands, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Malaysia, etc.

Milestii Mici Underground Galleries

With its underground limestone galleries stretching over a total length of 200 kilometers and 80 meters depth, Milestii Mici is a construction in the style of Moldova’s old feudal fortresses. These outstanding cellars cover an area of 55 km of galleries where technological production processes are carried out, and some other dozens of km where wine is maturated in barrels and bottles.

One may travel through the galleries by car, by bicycle or walk on the streets called „Feteasca”, „OIV”, observing the traffic rules.

Tasting rooms are set up here, which are cool in hot summer and warm in the cold period of the year. The three elements underlying the architectural construction are: the stone, the water and the fire, all being close to our culture.

The Milestii Mici cellars, situated 10 km away from the capital Chisinau, are visited by tens of thousands of tourists annually, representing Moldova’s signature.

Cricova Underground City

Having become an emblem of the Moldovan winemaking, the underground wine city Cricova has galleries stretching on 70 km, with streets named symbolically: Dionis, Feteasca, Cabernet-Sauvignon, etc. Situated 11 km away from the capital Chisinau, the limestone undergrounds located at 35-80 m depth house 30 million liters of wine at a constant temperature of 12-14 ˚C and 97-98% humidity.

Founded in 1952, „Cricova” is the biggest Moldovan producer of sparkling wine using the traditional method; the wine ageing is done fully in the underground cellars. The „National Vinotheque” is kept at Cricova; this is an outstanding collection of legendary wines both local and foreign, which originate from the Goering’s wine collection, among which the well-known wines Moselle, Bourgogne, Bordeaux, and Porto. The oldest wine in the collection and the only one of its kind in the world is the wine „Easter Jerusalem”, produced in just one batch in 1902.

Cricova cellars are an attraction for the thousands of tourists and also for notorious personalities, politicians, opinion leaders and famous people all over the world. It was visited by Iurie Gagarin, Angela Merkel, John Kerry, etc.

Cricova has been declared a national cultural patrimony by law.

Other Galeries

Most wineries have their own cellars, built in a traditional way. Some of these cellars carry the legends of the Wine of Moldova.

Purcari Winery– has cellars which were built at the end of the 19th century in the style of a manor house, where the temperature and humidity are constant. The Purcari vinotheque houses the best wines, the price of which start from 100$ per bottle. The oldest wine in the collection dates back in 1951. Oak barrels and bottles of wine are placed for maturation here, before getting on the market.

Branesti Cellars – located at 60 metres depth in the stony hills of the touristic complex Orheiul Vechi, the cellars cover approximately 58 km.

Chateau Cojusna - has underground galleries in medieval style, with small streets full of collection wines, particularly liquorous wines but also wines kept for ageing.

Chateau Vartely – a modern winery with a nice cellar built according to local traditions.

Traditional Cellar

According to the Moldovan tradition, every householder must have a cellar where to keep the wine made by him. Being a nation with patriarchal origins, for Moldovans the house has an important value. Moldovans’ houses are composed of two basic elements: the “casa mare” – the room where guests are received, and the cellar, where food and wine is stored.

Traditionally, peasants’ cellars are dug at 5-7 meters depth under or near the house, having 10-15 stairs and the walls are whitewashed.

The wine industry - a strategic sector for Moldova

The wine industry accounts for 3.2% of the Gross Domestic Product and 7.5% of Moldova’s total exports, employing over 250 thousand citizens at the 140 wine companies. Moldova has the biggest density of vineyards in the world – 3.8% of the country’s territory and 7% of the arable land.

mln dal15

15mln dal

annual volume of wine produced in Moldova, of which
88% are still wines, 6% – sparkling wines and 6% – special wines.

new vine plantations in the past 7 years,
most of them Vitis Vinifera, including local varieties.

30thousand ha

new vine plantations in the past 7 years,
most of them Vitis Vinifera, including local varieties.

mln bottles67

67mln bottles

exported annually in more than
30 states of the world, of which 55% are red wines.

cumulated length of underground galleries used for making
and keeping wine, where around 10 mln liters of wine are stored.

250km

cumulated length of underground galleries used for making
and keeping wine, where around 10 mln liters of wine are stored.

mln EUR330

330mln EUR

investments in new vine plantations,
production equipment and technologies in the past 10 years.

Blended wines – excellence through exigency

Driven by exigency, blended wines are a combination between the human touch and the terroir,
using local varieties and traditional blending methods. These are the cuvés through which the Moldovan winemaking shows its excellency.

Codru

A superior quality red dry wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, collected from plantations in the south of Moldova. The blend shares and methods have been thoroughly developed for decades. In the ‘60s this wine became Moldova’s signature.

The « Codru » cuvé remains a legendary wine, which continues to be produced according to the technical specifications regulated by the line authorities.

Negru de Purcari

A well-known blend of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and the local variety Rara Neagra, which is produced exclusively in the delimited area of Purcari, in Stefan Voda region. In 1878 it gained its first medal at the International Exhibition of Paris, and later on, during the USSR, this was the only wine of Moldova allowed to bear a label in English, as it was exported to the West.

The wine is maturated for at least 18 months in oak barrels and stands out by a refined bouquet with notes of plum, chocolate and figs, which develop in time, opening up fine aromas of crocus.

Sparkling wine made using the traditional method

The sparkling wine is produced based on local traditions, from specially selected varieties, by natural fermentation in bottle (traditional method), being aged for at least 9 months and up to 3-5 years in underground galleries of Moldova. Sparkling wine is usually white or rosé, however, red sparkling wine is also produced. Sparkling wines are made of such varieties as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and also Sauvignon, Alligote, Feteasca, Rkatsiteli, collected from Codru wine region. For the second-stage fermentation in bottle, bottles are piled up and placed in underground galleries, where they are kept for a specific period, depending on the quality category. The rémuage is done in a traditional way – exclusively manually. The range of sparkling wines goes from “extra brut”, „brut”, up to ”sweet”.

Sparkling wine is delicate in aromas, balanced in tastes and special due to its gracious bubbles. The sparkling cuvé wines and their production represent a combination of the best known practices and the traditions, craftsmanship and specifics of the Moldovan terroir.

Divin

The Divin (brandy) is a wine spirit with Protected Geographical Indication, produced in accordance with a specific terms of reference, being overseen by the authorities and the producers’ association. Produced by double distillation, according to the traditional method, from local raw material, the wine distillates are aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels. Its name “Divin” literally comes from the Romanian phrase “din vin”, which means “from wine”. “Divin” also means “divine” in Romanian, which is supported by the fact that, a large part of the distillates evaporate and therefore it is said that it goes to the skies to serve as a sacrifice for the quality obtained.

Made from varieties such as Aligote, Chardonnay, Feteasca Alba, Riesling de Rhein, and Rkatsiteli, the Divin is a special drink due to its ageing. The Divin stands out by its shade of brownish to amber, with floral notes which later develop in fine aromas of chocolate, a balanced and soft taste, which is diaphanous by the way it warms up every gustative nerve.

These cellars preserve a huge quantity of very good wines. Even the pickiest consumer could find here a wine to suit him. I wish you take the best medals and if you have no enough metal for this, I commit to bring it from the Moon or from other planets. I thank all people working in viticulture and winemaking for their efforts! (Cricova, March 8-9, 1965)

Iurii Gagarin (cosmonaut, the first human to journey into outer space)

It is a great privilege for me to visit Cricova today. The legacy of winemaking from the 15th century is being carried on in this extraordinary underground facility with 21st century technology. People in this region have practiced winemaking for centuries, back to the early times with the Romans. So, this winery is really a reminder of how Moldova’s rich history is tied to its promising future.

(Cricova, December 4, 2013)

John Kerry (US Secretary of State)

I welcome the interest of your country for viticulture and the reforms you have carried out in this area. I can definitely say that some of the Moldovan wines are comparable to some French wines in terms of gustative and visual qualities.

(Chisinau, February 16, 2014)

Jean-Marie Aurand (General Director of OIV)

„As a wine producer, Moldova has much going for it: the same latitude as Burgundy, varied and wine-friendly topography, and a climate tempered by the Black Sea (…). Wines are becoming drier and better made.”

Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson (The World Atlas of Wine, 7th edition, completely revised & updated)

Moldovan wines are on the international track. The future for Moldova is to promote the local varieties such as Feteasca and Rara Neagra, which makes it stand out on the international market and become more interesting; this is your future, especially that now higher preference is given to the local, authenticity element. Your potential is in your legends which you need to pour in small stock bottles of highest quality wines. (Chisinau, February 16, 2014)

Pawel Gasiorek (CEO Dom Wina, Poland)

Moldovan wine has changed and I am impressed by it, especially the red wines, which bear the specifics of the terroir, differentiating your wines on the international market. The Saperavi made in Moldova is different. Everyone has Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Moldova can standout by its authentic wines made of local varieties. (Chisinau, February 16, 2014)

John Salvi Master of Wine (Great Britain)

In June 2011, my wife Amy Lee and I made the 6,000-mile track to see for ourselves (e.n. Moldova). We crisscrosed four growing areas to visit 10 producers and sample nearly 100 wines. Expecting a second-world country with primitive wineries, we instead found ourselves staring down the oak barrel of a high-caliber wine culture, cocked to let loose on the global market.(…) I opened some Moldovan bottles with an accomplished winemaker and a James Beard Award-winning food-and-wine writer, who affirmed my “who knew?” fascination. (Chisinau, 16 februarie 2014)

Jason Tesauro (award winning wine journalist, USA)

The Legend of Savior Storks

During Stefan the Great’s rule, a big army of Tatars besieged Soroca fortress for several months. The fighters in the fortress, being short of food and water, were losing their forces and their hope every day. Out of a sudden, flocks of storks appeared above the fortress, bearing in their beaks bunches of grapes, which they let fall inside the citadel. The grape berries helped the fighters regain their forces and moral, and obtain victory. Since then, the stork is a symbol of unity and the Moldovans meet them and see them off every year when they migrate, protecting birds’ nests beside their houses.

The legend of the healing wine from Rudi

It is said that one of the big rulers of Moldova, Grigore Ghica got ill and none of the local […]

Grapes and the Transfiguration of Jesus

An old biblical Gospel tells that, when summer catches up with the autumn, the days become increasingly shorter and the […]

Manuc Bei and the story of Hancesti

Manuc Bei was an Armenian merchant who is said to have been the richest person in the Balkans, who had […]

Camenca – the story of a noble region

The microzone Camenca is a noble wine terroir of Moldova, full of legends and thrilling stories. Located in the north […]

our wine has been crafted

Wine made with Care and Passion

Trajan’s Wall

Stefan Voda

Balti

Codru

Moldova – The Grape Country

Grape Varieties in Moldova

Feteasca Alba

Feteasca Neagra

Rara Neagra

Feteasca Alba

Feteasca Neagra

Rara Neagra

The Wines of Moldova

Cuvée Blanc Et Cetera 2012 S.R.L. Ampelos

Alb de Purcari 2012 Purcari Winery

Roșu de Bulboaca 2011 Mimi Castle

Codru 2007 S.A. Cricova

Taraboste Cuvée 2009 Château Vartely

Black Doctor 2012 Bostavan Winery

Cuvée Noir 2012 Château Vartely

Rara Neagră 2011 Purcari Winery

Feteasca albă 2012 Vinăria din Vale

Feteasca Regală 2013 Château Vartely

Cuvée Rouge Et Cetera 2012 S.R.L. Ampelos

Negru de Purcari 2010 Purcari Winery

Sauvignon Blanc 2012 S.R.L. Asconi

Sauvignon Blanc 2012 S.R.L. Fautor

Sauvignon Blanc, Chi 2012 S.A. Cimișlia

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mimi Castle

Cabernet Sauvignon,Via Etulia 2010 Bostavan Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 S.R.L. Ampelos

by generations of winemakers

Roman Dacia

Stefan the Great

Bessarabia under Tsarist Rule

Contemporary Moldova

Outstanding Personalities for the Moldovan Viticulture

Dimitrie Cantemir

Tsar Alexander II of Russia

Constantin Mimi

Petru Ungurean

Dimitrie Cantemir

Tsar Alexander II of Russia

Constantin Mimi

Petru Ungurean

in the largest cellars in the world

Guinness Record

Milestii Mici Underground Galleries

Cricova Underground City

Other Galeries

Traditional Cellar

The wine industry - a strategic sector for Moldova

Blended wines – excellence through exigency

Codru

Negru de Purcari

Sparkling wine made using the traditional method

Divin

appreciated by consumers in both the east and the west

Moldovan Wine – tradition and modernity

Export of bottled wine

east

east

west

supported by legends that everyone can embrace

The Legend of Savior Storks

The legend of the healing wine from Rudi

Grapes and the Transfiguration of Jesus

Manuc Bei and the story of Hancesti

Camenca – the story of a noble region

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Cuvée Blanc Et Cetera
2012
S.R.L. Ampelos

Alb de Purcari
2012
Purcari Winery

Roșu de Bulboaca
2011
Mimi Castle

Codru
2007
S.A. Cricova

Taraboste Cuvée
2009
Château Vartely

Black Doctor
2012
Bostavan Winery

Cuvée Noir
2012
Château Vartely

Rara Neagră
2011
Purcari Winery

Feteasca albă
2012
Vinăria din Vale

Feteasca Regală
2013
Château Vartely

Cuvée Rouge Et Cetera
2012
S.R.L. Ampelos

Negru de Purcari
2010
Purcari Winery

Sauvignon Blanc
2012
S.R.L. Asconi

Sauvignon Blanc
2012
S.R.L. Fautor

Sauvignon Blanc, Chi
2012
S.A. Cimișlia

Cabernet Sauvignon
2012
Mimi Castle

Cabernet Sauvignon,Via Etulia
2010
Bostavan Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon
2011
S.R.L. Ampelos

in the largest
cellars in the world

appreciated by consumers
in both the east and the west

supported by legends
that everyone can embrace