For wine lovers, favourite wine making regions generally include Italy, France, Germany, California and New Zealand. But how many immediately think of Moldova?
It may not be one of the best-known wine making regions, but Moldova is definitely coming into its own for delicious wines.
History of winemaking and wines from Moldova
Moldova is situated between the Ukraine and Romania. A region with a complex history, it became part of Romania back in 1859 but flipped back to the Soviet Union after World War 2. The country became independent back in 1989 and it was during the next decade that Moldovan wines began appearing on UK supermarket shelves.
Today, Moldova is at number 20 in the world for the most amount of wine produced thanks to its continental climate. Relatively warm growing temperatures means the season is long. When Moldovan wines first arrived in the UK, critics dismissed them as being too high in acidity.
Wine from Moldova floundered in the UK since the 1990s, but recently some have re-entered the market and are definitely worth checking out. They now include a broader palate that includes some grape varieties from the River Prut region, which separates Romania from Moldova.
Moldovan wines are ideal for enjoying in hot weather
Critics of times past may not have rated the high acidity levels, but in some Moldovan wines this is actually an asset. Acidity gives a nice structure to wine, as it does with Dealu Nucului 2019, which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Fetească Regală. This is a really refreshing wine ideal for the summer and enjoying in warm temperatures.
The Merry Mole is a specialist in Moldovan wines, with some particularly delicious white wines. For example, Merry Mole Sauvignon Blanc is made by the long-standing Asconi winery in Anenii Noi in Moldova. It’s packed with juicy guava and gooseberry flavours with notes of honey, spice and fruit.
Here are 5 Moldovan wines ideal for summer
- Radacini Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Another fruity and fresh white wine is the Sauvignon Blanc from Radacini winemakers, who have vineyards in Romania, Moldova and the Ukraine. This wine has all of the notes of a class Sauvignon Blanc, with extra hints of gooseberry and the aroma of fresh spring cut glass. It goes perfectly with alfresco summer lunches and is ideal for parties.
- Chateau Vartely Individo Fetească Regală Riesling 2017
A well-balanced blend of two grapes, Riesling (45%) and Fetească Regală (55%), this is an aromatic wine with hints of wildflowers. The grapes are harvested from the 300-hectare Chateau Vartely estate near Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. It won a Decanter World Wine Award in 2018.
- Salcuta Riesling Traminer 2017
This floral blend of Traminer and Riesling is a greeny-yellow colour, with an aroma of roses and a refined taste. Expect a semi-sweet white wine with nicely balanced acidity.
- Albastrele Blanc de Cabernet 2018
A Moldovan white wine made from red grapes, it’s made from all Cabernet and has a depth and roundness as a well as a pleasing freshness. Candied lemon and ripe fruits mingle with an aroma of apple, lemon, apple and pears.
- Rosé de Purcari
A dry rosé is packed with apricot flavours. Made from a blend of three grapes, which are Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%) and Rara Neagrsa (10%). Sweet flavours of blackcurrant, peach, and apricot, it goes well with fish dishes and Mediterranean food.
