Moldova prides itself in having a rich winemaking history. Throughout history, Moldova's winemaking culture has survived many ups and downs. After Moldova gained independence from the Soviet Union, it had to reinvent its wine industry. Recently, Moldova has begun to look for new markets in Europe and elsewhere. With changing market emphasis there has also come exciting changes in Moldova's winemaking industry. Today, Moldova produces a diversity of sparkling, white and red wines.
This Spaswinefood lover never misses a chance to taste new wines. I was indeed quite curious to learn about Moldovan wines; so I took advantage of the opportunity to attended a master's class on Moldovan wines at the Digital Wine Communications Conference (#dwcc15) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The title of the session was quite inviting: Moldova: the next big thing?
The session was led by Robert Joseph. The description of this #dwcc15 session was:
Tasting Moldovan Wines
During the session I tasted the following 12 wines:
1. Cricova Cuvée Prestige, Codru 2012
2. Albastrele Wines, Pinot Grigio, Stefan Voda 2014
3. Et Cetera, Cuvée Blanc, Stefan Voda 2014
4. Vinaria din Vale, Feteasca Alba, Valul Lui Traian 2013
5. Castel Mimi, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012
6. Asconi Winery, Sol Negru Merlot, Codru 2012
7. Mezalimpe, Sol Negru Cabernet Sauvignon, Stefan Voda 2011
8. Cape Diem, Feteasca Neagra, Codru 2013
9. Purcari Winery, Pinot Noir, Stefan Voda 2012
10. Chateau Vartely, Rara Neagra Malbec Syrah, Valul Lui Traian 2014
11. Gitana Winery, Lupi, Valul Lui Traian 2011
12. Purcari, Negru de Purcari, Stefan Voda 2012
This session was my first introduction to Moldovan wines. For me to form an overall opinion, I would need a more in-depth exploration of Moldovan wines. Just sampling a few sparkling wines, white wines, and red wines for a variety of wine regions did not give me the insights I needed. I say this knowing that there are over 140 wineries offering a diversity of wines. I need to know more about its diverse wine regions and the grape varieties (international and indigenous) that best represent these regions.
Moldovan wines: the next big thing?
Will Moldovan wines become the next big thing? Maybe? I think time will tell. A few of the wines I tasted at the session were flawed. Moreover, most of the wines I would describe as entry level. Still, I suspect, Moldova has a great potential to produce good wines. After all, it is a country with a rich history of winemaking and viticulture. In this sense some wine experts go as far as to say "winemaking in Moldova has just begun".
For me it was insightful to get a brief glimpse into the world of Moldovan wines. In addition to Robert Joseph, the session included Dumitru Munreanu (National Office for Vine and Wine, Moldova) and Diana Isac (Winerist). Winerist's Co-founders/CEOs Diana Isac and Tatiana Livesey have taken an active role in promoting Moldovan wines. Tatiana Livesey gives seven reasons to visit Moldovan wine country. Apparently, Moldova is home to two of the largest wine cellars in the world (Cricova and Milesti Mici). You might also want to check out an article that describes a visit to Milesti Mici, a 200 km long wine cellar.
If you get the opportunity give Moldovian wines a try. Obviously, I not only look forward to tasting more Moldovan wines but future travels to Moldova and elsewhere. What wine enthusiast would not want to visit a country that is shaped like a bunch of grapes. I invite you to checkout my travels at Spaswinefood.
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| Moldovan Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Moldova: the next big thing? © Spaswinefood |
"With a winemaking history that stretches back to the Romans, Moldova is now the 22nd largest producer in the world. Its new generation of winemakers is reviving the quality of traditional wines such as Negru de Purcari, while winning new friends internationally with juicy modern Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Come and learn more about fascinating wines from Moldova at a seminar conducted by Mr. Robert Joseph, fresh from a trip to the country. "
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| Robert Joseph, Discussing Moldovan Wines © Spaswinefood |
During the session I tasted the following 12 wines:
1. Cricova Cuvée Prestige, Codru 2012
2. Albastrele Wines, Pinot Grigio, Stefan Voda 2014
3. Et Cetera, Cuvée Blanc, Stefan Voda 2014
4. Vinaria din Vale, Feteasca Alba, Valul Lui Traian 2013
5. Castel Mimi, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012
6. Asconi Winery, Sol Negru Merlot, Codru 2012
7. Mezalimpe, Sol Negru Cabernet Sauvignon, Stefan Voda 2011
8. Cape Diem, Feteasca Neagra, Codru 2013
9. Purcari Winery, Pinot Noir, Stefan Voda 2012
10. Chateau Vartely, Rara Neagra Malbec Syrah, Valul Lui Traian 2014
11. Gitana Winery, Lupi, Valul Lui Traian 2011
12. Purcari, Negru de Purcari, Stefan Voda 2012
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| Tasting Moldovan Wines © Spaswinefood |
Moldovan wines: the next big thing?
Will Moldovan wines become the next big thing? Maybe? I think time will tell. A few of the wines I tasted at the session were flawed. Moreover, most of the wines I would describe as entry level. Still, I suspect, Moldova has a great potential to produce good wines. After all, it is a country with a rich history of winemaking and viticulture. In this sense some wine experts go as far as to say "winemaking in Moldova has just begun".
 |
| Moldovan Wines: Exploring the Blend © Spaswinefood |
If you get the opportunity give Moldovian wines a try. Obviously, I not only look forward to tasting more Moldovan wines but future travels to Moldova and elsewhere. What wine enthusiast would not want to visit a country that is shaped like a bunch of grapes. I invite you to checkout my travels at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
October 2015
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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