Small country, big wine story. Tucked between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova blends old-vine heritage with modern winemaking. Limestone hills, long sunny seasons, and vast underground cellars turn native grapes into lively, food-friendly bottles that overdeliver on value.

What makes it special

• Limestone + long summers: Ripe fruit with natural freshness.
• Underground cellars: Cricova and Mileștii Mici age wine in cool limestone tunnels—steady temps, slow polish.
• Local grapes with identity: Not just Cab and Chardonnay. Moldova champions its own.

Grapes and styles to know

• Fetească Albă & Fetească Regală (white): Floral, citrus, mineral; crisp and versatile.
• Viorica (white): Moldovan original—orange blossom, pear, spice; dry but aromatic.
• Rara Neagră / Băbească Neagră (red): Red cherry, cranberry, pepper; medium body, fresh finish.
• Fetească Neagră (red): Dark fruit, cocoa, herbal spice; structured yet smooth.
• International set: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Merlot—clean and balanced.
• Sparkling & dessert: Traditional-method bubbles and late-harvest sweets from cool cellaring.

Regions at a glance (PGI)

• Codru (central): Coolest; elegant whites, fresh reds, quality sparkling.
• Ștefan Vodă (southeast): Sunny and maritime; fuller reds, ripe whites.
• Valul lui Traian (south): Warmest; concentrated reds, generous blends.
• Bălți (north): Smaller zone; bright, easy-drinking styles.

Flavor snapshot

• Whites: Lemon, green apple, white flowers, chalky lift.
• Reds: Cherry, plum, black pepper, subtle cocoa, supple tannins.
• Sparkling: Green apple, citrus, brioche; clean, dry finish.

Pairing playbook (veg-forward)

• Fetească Albă / Regală: Tomato-cucumber salads, herby cheeses, grilled zucchini.
• Viorica: Spiced couscous, veggie biryani, Thai basil stir-fries.
• Rara Neagră / Fetească Neagră: Mushroom stews, roasted peppers, eggplant, aged cheddar.
• Sparkling: Fried appetizers, potato pancakes, sushi.

Buying tips

• Look for PGI on the label (Codru, Ștefan Vodă, Valul lui Traian) for place and style signals.
• Want native character? Pick Viorica, Rara Neagră, or Fetească Neagră.
• Seeking value reds? Try blends from the south; for finesse, choose Codru whites or sparkling.
• Curious about spirits? Moldova also makes oak-aged grape brandy (divin) with vanilla and spice.

Serving notes

• Whites/Sparkling: 45–50°F
• Light/medium reds: 58–62°F (a brief chill helps)
• Divin: Cool room temp; a splash of water softens the edges

Bottom line

Moldova delivers character without the price tag. From floral, mineral whites to cherry-bright reds and cellar-fresh sparkling, you get clean flavor, clear identity, and easy pairing any night of the week.

FAQs

1) Are Moldovan wines sweet or dry?
Mostly dry. You’ll find some late-harvest and dessert styles, but the core lineup—whites, reds, and sparkling—leans fresh and dry.

2) If I’m new to Moldova, where should I start?
Grab a Viorica for aromatic white and a Fetească Neagră or Rara Neagră for reds. Add a Codru sparkling to see the cellar style.

3) Do Moldovan wines age well?
Top reds with Fetească Neagră and select blends can age 5–8 years. Most whites and sparkling are best within 2–4 years for peak freshness.

We’re confirming the specific growing area and will update once verified. Our team is checking with the producer.