Why are Moldovan wines are special?
Long history of wine production
The wine history in Moldova goes back several millennia and dates back to at least 800 BC. Records state that the Greeks went on expeditions to Moldova to collect wines, a journey that would have taken months. After being colonised by the French in the 19th century, grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced and the wine industry continued to grow.Ideal conditions
Moldova's wine growing area is situated on the same latitude as Bordeaux, providing perfect conditions for grape growing. Rainfall and temperatures are moderate and soils are highly fertile and are ideal for the growth of grapes for the production of high quality wines. The discovery of 25 million year old fossilised vines in the northern village of Naslavcia suggests that the climate has been stable for a very long period of time.Preservation is paramount
Moldova is home to the worlds largest underground cellar, Mileștii Mici (est. 1969) which is 80 metres deep and stretches over 200 kilometres. This limestone cellar holds close to 2 million bottles of wine and is so large you need to drive through it. Wines are held here for decades before being sold. According to Moldovan tradition, every home must consist of a guest room and a cellar for the households wine and food.
Love of wine
It is common for families to grow their own wine grapes and produce wine using recipes passed down through many generations. Moldova also has its own national wine holiday every year on the second Sunday in October when a festival is held in the capital, Chisinau to celebrate the country's long history of wine making.
Lifeblood of the country
Moldova has a population of approximately 3.5 million people with 25% of the country's workforce working in the wine industry. This has been the case for generations.
Royal status
Queen Elizabeth II regularly orders the 1990 vintage of Negru de Purcari produced in Moldova. This has given Moldovan wine a reputation of being the "Queen of England's Wine".
Other wine connoisseurs and lovers also hold these wines in high esteem. Renowned wine critic Jancis Robbinson (UK) was noted saying, "There is a fresh purity of fruit here that is aching to find its way to the world's wine drinkers".
So, next time you are looking for a good bottle of wine to buy make sure you keep an eye out for Moldovan wines because they are soon to hit the shelves in Australia!
Other wine connoisseurs and lovers also hold these wines in high esteem. Renowned wine critic Jancis Robbinson (UK) was noted saying, "There is a fresh purity of fruit here that is aching to find its way to the world's wine drinkers".
So, next time you are looking for a good bottle of wine to buy make sure you keep an eye out for Moldovan wines because they are soon to hit the shelves in Australia!
