Moldavian Wines: A Rich Tradition of Excellence

Moldova, a small country located between Romania and Ukraine, has a rich history of wine production that goes back thousands of years. The country is known for its excellent wines, which are appreciated by wine lovers all over the world. The wine-growing tradition in Moldova is deeply rooted in the country's culture, and the unique geographical and climatic conditions make it ideal for growing a wide range of grape varieties. IJswijnen.nl is proud to have Moldavian wines in stock again recently.

History of Moldavian Viticulture
Wine growing in Moldova began over 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The ancient Dacians, who lived in this area, were already skilled in growing grapes and making wine. Wine production in Moldova was further developed under the influence of the Greeks and Romans, who introduced new wine-making techniques. In the Middle Ages, the wine industry flourished thanks to close trade relations with countries in Europe and the Middle East.

During the Soviet period, Moldova became one of the largest wine producers in the Soviet Union, supplying about 60% of all wine consumed in the Soviet Union. After independence in 1991, the Moldovan wine industry had to reinvent itself. This led to a modernization of wine production techniques and a focus on quality over quantity.

Commonly used grape varieties in Moldova
Moldova is blessed with a diverse landscape and mild climate, which contributes to the growth of a variety of grape varieties. The country has over 112,000 hectares of vineyards, spread across four main wine regions: Codru, Valul lui Traian, Stefan Voda, and Balti. Below we discuss some of the most commonly used grape varieties in Moldova:

1) Fetească Neagră: This indigenous red grape is one of Moldova's oldest and most prized grape varieties. Fetească Neagră wines are known for their deep ruby ​​color, complex aromas of dark fruits, spices and vanilla, and velvety tannins. This grape produces elegant, well-structured wines that age well.

2) Rara Neagră: This is another indigenous red grape variety known for its lightness and freshness. Wines made from Rara Neagră often have aromas of red berries, plums and a light spiciness. This grape is often used in blends to add a fruity character and softness.

3) Cabernet Sauvignon: An international grape that is known worldwide, but gives excellent results in Moldova. Cabernet Sauvignon from Moldova has a rich bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar and sometimes a hint of tobacco. The wine has firm tannins and good acidity, which allows it to age well.

4) Merlot: Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot does particularly well in Moldova. The wines are often rich and supple, with aromas of black cherry, plum and chocolate. Merlot is often used in blends, but can also be found as a single varietal.

5) Fetească Albă: A white grape variety highly prized in Moldova. Wines made from Fetească Albă often have a light, fresh taste with notes of white flowers, citrus and green apple. This grape is often used to produce light, refreshing wines that can be drunk young.

6) Rkatsiteli: This is a grape of Georgian origin, but it has found its way to Moldova and is appreciated here for its high acidity and versatility. Rkatsiteli wines often have aromas of green apple, apricot and a hint of spice.

7) Aligote: This white grape variety, originally French, is used in Moldova to make light, fresh wines with good acidity and aromas of citrus fruits and green apple. Aligote is often used for the production of sparkling wines.

Unique Moldavian Wine Styles
Moldova produces a wide range of wine styles, from dry and semi-dry to sweet and sparkling. One of the unique styles of wine from Moldova is the "Ice Wine," made from frozen grapes harvested at very low temperatures. These wines are known for their intense sweetness and concentrated flavors of tropical fruits and honey.

In addition, "Divin" is a popular Moldovan brandy, similar to French Cognac. Divin is made from distilled wine and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a complex drink with aromas of dried fruits, vanilla and spices.

Wineries of Moldova: Vartely and Purcari
Two of the most famous wineries in Moldova are Vartely and Purcari. These wineries have not only contributed to the rise of the Moldovan wine industry on the world stage, but have also won numerous awards for their excellent wines.

Vartely: Modern Innovation and Tradition
Château Vartely, located in the Codru region, is one of Moldova's leading wineries. Founded in 2008, Vartely has quickly built a reputation for producing quality wines that reflect both modern techniques and traditional winemaking methods.
Vineyards and Grape Varieties

Vartely owns approximately 300 hectares of vineyards, spread across the best terroirs in the Codru region. The winery specializes in both international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as indigenous Moldovan varieties such as Fetească Neagră, Rara Neagră and Fetească Albă. This combination of grapes allows Vartely to produce a wide range of wines, from fresh, fruity whites to complex, full-bodied reds.
Winemaking process

Château Vartely is known for its innovative approach to winemaking. The winery uses modern technologies to improve the quality of the wine, while respecting traditional methods that reflect the terroir of Moldova. Among other things, they use temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation, which helps to preserve the pure fruit aromas and fresh acidity.

Vartely red wines are mostly aged in French and American oak barrels, which contributes to the development of complex aromas and flavors. The wines are often characterized by an excellent balance between fruit, acidity and tannins, which makes them ideal for drinking young but also suitable for aging for several years.
Award Winning Wines

Château Vartely has an impressive list of award-winning wines that have gained international recognition. Some of the most notable wines include the Taraboste line, a selection of premium wines made from hand-picked grapes and aged in oak barrels. The Taraboste Cabernet Sauvignon and Taraboste Chardonnay are particularly popular for their rich, complex flavors and long finish.

Another noteworthy wine is the Individo line, known for its harmonious blends of indigenous and international grape varieties. The Individo Rara Neagră, Malbec & Syrah is an excellent representative of this line, with a silky texture and an aroma of ripe berries and spices.

Purcari: An Iconic Winery with Royalty
Purcari Winery, founded in 1827, is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Moldova. Located in the Stefan Voda region, close to the Dniester River, Purcari enjoys unique terroir conditions that contribute to the production of some of the best wines in Eastern Europe.

History and Legacy
Purcari has a rich history and a royal heritage. The winery won its first gold medal in 1878 at the World Exhibition in Paris with its famous "Negru de Purcari," a wine known for its deep color, rich aromas and velvety texture. This wine was highly prized by European royal courts, including the British Royal Court, and was nicknamed "the royal wine."

Vineyards and Grape Varieties
Purcari manages over 300 hectares of vineyards, where they cultivate a mix of indigenous and international grape varieties. The focus is on quality grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Fetească Neagră and Rara Neagră. The proximity of the Dniester River creates a microclimate ideal for grape ripening and contributes to the unique minerality and acidity of the wines.
Winemaking process

At Purcari, quality is central to every aspect of the winemaking process. The grapes are hand-picked to ensure only the finest fruit is used. After careful selection, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit and aromatic intensity. The red wines are then aged in French oak barrels, which contributes to the development of complex flavours and a velvety texture.

Purcari's red wines are usually powerful and full-bodied, with aromas of ripe berries, plums, chocolate and spices. The white wines are fresh and lively, with aromas of citrus, tropical fruits and a touch of minerality.

Award Winning Wines
Purcari has won numerous international awards for its exceptional wines. The Negru de Purcari remains one of the winery's most awarded wines, appreciated for its depth, complexity and aging potential. Another notable wine is the Purcari Rara Neagră, which is known for its fruity aromas, light body and supple tannins.

The Château Purcari line is another highlight of this winery, with wines such as the Château Purcari Cabernet Sauvignon and Château Purcari Chardonnay often praised for their elegance, balance and finesse.
Conclusion: The Future of Moldovan Wines

The Moldovan wine industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. From a mass producer during the Soviet era to a modern player on the world stage, focused on quality and innovation. Wineries such as Vartely and Purcari are leading the way by investing in both their vineyards and modern winemaking techniques. Their dedication to producing world-class wines has helped put Moldova on the map as a high-quality wine destination.

With a unique blend of indigenous and international grape varieties, diverse terroirs and a rich winemaking tradition, Moldova offers an exciting and diverse wine experience for every wine lover. As the global demand for authentic, high-quality wines continues to grow, Moldova is poised to play an even more prominent role in the global wine industry.

So, whether you are a connoisseur looking for new discoveries, or just someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, Moldovan wines are definitely worth exploring. With wineries like Vartely and Purcari setting the standard, the future of Moldovan wine remains bright and full of promise.