The way of wine in the Republic of Moldova

The way of wine in the Republic of Moldova

The variety of wine-vineyard production in our country (grapes, must, juices, soft and alcoholic drinks, different wines, distillates, etc.) stimulates an intense interest on the part of Moldovan visitors. Moldova is known as a country with old traditions in grape-growing and wine production, which is why it attracts more and more attention from tourists, businessmen and wine-production specialists. One can add the culture of grape-growing to the richness and variety of the Moldovan landscape, the numerous museums of natural resources, picturesque churches and monasteries with their original architecture.

There are wine routes for tourists in Moldova , including the well-known old cellars, underground galleries, and wine collections of famous wine producers (Cricova, Milestii Mici, Cojusna, Peresecena and others). The tasting rooms of many of the wine-producing companies and scientific-educational centers of the country are really magnificent and beautiful (National College of Wine and Vineyards, National Institute of Wine and Vineyards).

In addition to this there are many interesting natural-geographical and historic-archeological objects in Moldova , which provide pleasant pastimes: hunting, fishing, excursions, etc.

The state program for the promotion of tourism on "the way of wine" in Moldova will be introduced through national festivals and wine exhibitions as well as by Moldovan participation in the foreign festivals and exhibitions. There information about our wine-producing potential will be distributed through the mass media, internet, diplomatic missions and transnational organizations. During this program albums and catalogues will be published and an advertising film about wine-making in Moldova will be issued.

It should be mentioned that in several cases the practice of wine tourism in Moldova has passed ahead of the theory. According to the prearranged data, more than 8,800 foreigners (including about 2,000 visitors observing visa conditions) visited Moldova with the goal of tourism last year. This fact provided an increase in winemaking industrial indexes for a quarter. If we add approximate data about visitors who have not used the services of tourist agencies, the number of the republic’s guests will increase to about 13,000 and more. And it should also be stated that no less than a half visited one of Moldova ’s wine-producing industry objects.

At present there are nine tasting rooms in wine-making enterprises which receive the foreign guests. In addition there are cases of classic agrotourism in the Moldovan villages of Truseni, Butuceni, Sadova, Tzypovo and others, where a number of municipal homes offer their services to foreign guests.

Moldovan wine itinerary

Moldovan earth…Nature didn’t grudge colors for its motley carpet. The integral parts of the Moldovan landscape are the vineyard lines, streaming away from hill to hill, the gardens, the old forest Codru, the blue wayward Dnestr, and the high sky with white clouds.

Moldova is one of the regions in the world where people have been occupied with winemaking for more than 5 thousand years. The Moldovan people have cultivated vineyards for a long time. The shape of the country’s territory form looks like a small bunch of grapes. But this bunch has been all too important in the development of world winemaking.

This centuries-old wine production has had an effect upon Moldovan history and culture, on the territory itself, which has many interesting places concerned with winemaking and which serves as national property.

Moldova confidently proving its right to be on the European wine way. The wine itinerary, which commences from the republican capital, includes practically all of the country. Most travel agencies (about 250) have added the wine itinerary to their plans. Agro-tourism has special time features. Visitors will appreciate Moldovan farmers.

The wine itinerary is a large way to prosperity and popularity in the world of all merits and wealth made Moldova famous.

What the term "oenoteque" means

Oenoteque – A wine collection, a depository for bottled wines.

The most humane and noble purpose of a person, probably, is to preserve and prolong human life. Similarly wine makers prolong the life of vintage wines, because wine has an infant stage, youth, maturity and old age as well.

Most white and rose wines should be consumed young. These wines are not seasoned to keep freshness, delicate aroma and gentle taste in them. In young wine the flavouring features of the fresh vine are shown more strongly.

Many wines can be seasoned during a certain time to express strongly the originality of the variety’s properties and the taste features of each type. During storage all the substances of the wine join together into a harmonious single whole and form a diverse mosaic of aromas and taste completeness.

During the bottled seasoning wines behave themselves in a completely different way. The limited contact of the wine with oxygen and the presence of various acids allow the occurrence of a piquant, spicy aroma in the wine. At collection seasoning there are many complex chemical processes which take place, and as a result, the wine taste and bouquet achieve a special subtlety, cleanliness of taste and delicacy of bouquet.

The oenoteques are created in dry, well-ventilated underground basements with a constant temperature between 10-14 degrees Celsius. Bottled wines must be corked with a cork plug having a length more than usual by 3-5 mm. To prevent the appearance of mould and infection by moth larvae the top of the plug cut is covered by a layer of paraffin-and-wax putty. Bottles are placed in a horizontal position so that the plug is permanently moistened with wine so as to prevent its drying and the penetration of oxygen from the air into the bottle. The wine, in lots, is located in specially prepared compartments named "kazas". Each wine, in lots, is placed in a separate "kaza" which is furnished with a wooden label precisely inscribed specifying the name of the drink, its manufacturer, type, standards and other data.

The natural processes throughout bottled wine ageing concern the settling of many substances as sediment (first of all tannic and painting ones). At long-term storage of collection wines on the bottle walls the so-called "shirt" is formed. There is a special treatment for collection wines which always takes place: they are usually examined 1-2 times a year and at early stages of storage the damaged plugs are replaced if necessary. With time, the bottles become covered with dust and mould. At the stage of wine collection design there is trying to not leave traces on a bottle.

Wines go to be sold with a special certificate specifying the year of a crop, the name and wine producer. The collection seasoning’s duration is defined by wine type, quality indicators of crop year, storage conditions of wine.

Dry white wines are usually recommended to be stored in the oenoteque about 10-18 years as they contain smaller quantities of tannin and carbolic acids.

For red wines the seasoning term is 20-35 years. Potent and sweet wines do better to age for 25-45 years. Sherries are the old-timers among wines – they can be stored in the collection for more than 100 years.

All the oenoteques (excepting the commercial ones) have scientific objectives: to analyze the changes of chemical components, wine composition and organoleptical features.

The collection wines have historical and practical value. When experienced winemakers taste the collection wines, they can determine the year of the vine harvest, define the particular qualities of the vine-growing area and the wine-making technology. The best collection drinks present an original model for the wine-producing enterprises and scientific organizations at different wine contests.

Moldovan wine collections

Cricova

According to an order ( 18 August 1954) of factory administration the construction of a special department with shelving for collection wines was begun. In 1967 the collection in the Cricova Cellars became the Republican collection, which already consisted of 465 kinds of cognac, liquor, and wine, produced in Moldova and abroad, including the famous Gering wine collection. Part of this collection was delivered to the Crimean wine-makers. Another part was delivered to Cricova.

Seasoned Cricova wines were exported abroad for the first time in 1958 to Czechoslovakia . In the same year at the International Wine Competition in Ljubljana and Budapest, the Cricova vintage wines Feteasca and Aligote won silver medals. At annual tasting and regular competitions in the context of Moldvinprim, Cricova vintage wines have invariably achieved the highest results.

Today the Cricova wine factory by right could fill up by itself a list of world wonders. Cricova is an underground wine city, with a magnitude greater than 60 kilometers. You could make sure by passing along streets and boulevards with wine name such as Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay…

Wine keepings with workshops occupy about 53 hectares of underground space, including 35 hectares of settled space. The originality of the Cricova Cellars, in addition to the features already mentioned, is due to the unique underground tasting halls which together form a common complex.

"CRICOVA" is the only Moldovan and one of only four Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) companies which have, since 1956, produced champagne as in Champagne, at the Abbey Otvillier’s Pier Perinion monastic winery, i.e. in the classic French way.

Among these are Gagarin Hall, Seabed Hall, Casa Mare, the Hunting or Fireplace Hall, and the Conference Hall, where various international, republican and other tastings are carried out.

Milestii Mici

Far beyond the bounds of the republic the production of the State Enterprise Quality Wines Industrial Complex "MILESTII MICI", the oldest storehouse of the "divine liquid", is known, appreciated and loved. Here wines are stored, indeed the wonder of Milestii Mici.

The Quality Wines Industrial Complex "Milestii Mici" has assumed its worthy place within the state’s tourist program. Here the main wine roads pass. The route begins with the access road, surrounded by medieval fortress walls with fantastical turrets and a picturesque waterfall in the spirit of a landlord’s courtyard of the XIV century.

The wines stored here are made from the crops of various years from 1968 to 1991. The spirit of the age is very well felt here in this underground wine city, emerging from wide tunnels. You can pass through these 200 kilometres of natural lime galleries by car.

The "Golden Collection" of Milestii Mici contains over two million bottles of harmonious wines dating from the period of Moldovan winemaking prosperity: Pinot, Traminer, Muscat, Riesling, Feteasca, Dnestrovscoie, Milestscoie, Codru, Negru de Purcari, Trandafirul Moldovei, Auriu, Cahor-Ciumai and others.

In the tasting rooms one can taste the value of these wines. The attention of the visitor will be surely drawn to the originality of their appearance. Generations and generations of national skilled craftsmen have left a trace of their heart and soul in the wood, ceramics, glass and metal.

Cojusna

In 1908 in the Moldovan village of Cojusna a winery was created, which produced exceptional wine based on French technology.

Though time has moved on, and in the world passions have stormed, the wine created by Moldovan winemakers has lived on and warmed the human heart in moments both joyous and sorrowful. They are still alive here now. Furthermore, the winery, which is approaching its centenary, is experiencing a second youth. Its popularity was bequeathed to the factory by talented humans, who are true to their work.

Today they produce over 10 well-known wines, and the production quality remains excellent. In the beginning the winery’s wine collection was created by specialists. As history is alive, we live and go on.

True pearls, which crown the wine-makers’ art, are Dumbrava din Cojusna and Cojusna. These deserve the utmost appreciation. You can taste these wines at the winery's tasting rooms - "Stone Chamber" and "White European Chamber", where owners will give you a hearty welcome.

Customs and traditions related to wine

Every nation has its own "dowry". For the Moldovan people the bunch of grapes people is that "pearl" with a value unfading through the years. That is why the appearance of the National Wine Festival in Moldova has been a very bright and important event. Every year on the second Sunday of October there the most living and generous drink in the world will be praised.

Festivals of "green wine" are held in many wine-producing regions, where winemaking has its own traditions, customs, and history delving into the depths of the centuries. We have things of which one can be proud, such that wine and vineyards and Moldova are indivisible. It is no accident that the shape of Moldova on the map is similar to a bunch of grapes.

There are many legends connected to wine. There is one widely known legend about a white stork with a bunch of grapes in its beak. During the Turkish conquest savage janissaries forced the Grodieshti fortress.

The protectors of the fortress fought courageously, but their reserves of water and food and the warriors’ strength ran short.

Suddenly the strong wind of the wings of many storks forced the enemies to bend down. Hundreds of white storks flew in the sky. They threw bunches of grapes from their beaks to the besieged people.

The warriors were saved from thirst and hunger. Having new strength, they defended the fortress and the Turkish enemies withdrew.

From this time the Moldovan people consider the white-winged stork as a symbol of happiness and well-being. Nowadays the stork with bunch of grapes symbolizes Moldovan wine-making.

In Moldova (especially in the rural parts) it isn’t possible to find a courtyard with no vineyards and where wine isn’t produced. There the secrets of winemaking have come down through the ages.

Special instruments and items for wine production appeared in Moldovain the middle ages: the "crama" – Moldovan winery, the "teask" – wine-making press, and the "bechuri" – wine cellars. Peasants and townsmen stored wine in earth vaults ("bordeys") – overlapping holes, and rich people – in deep cellars with stone arcs.

The grapes were pressed in a special wooden washtub – the "uluk". The technique of winemaking and viticulture, of course, was primitive in these times. The wooden plow with the iron plowshare, the shovel, knives for vine cutting, and wooden washtubs (uluks) where the grapes were pressed by wooden pitchforks and feet.

The pulp was left for several days to ferment and the mash was poured into barrels for further fermentation. In boyar and monastic households wooden presses (teasks) were used to wring out the pulp and cellars for storage.

Up until 1359 when the Moldovan feudal state was formed, wine-making and viticulture were widespread. The ruler Stephen the Great paid special attention to the import of high-quality seedlings and good wine production. To supply the governing court with intoxicating drink, large areas of vineyard were needed and well-adjusted winemaking and cellar facilities. These were provided by a special staff, managed by Paharnik the Great (from the Moldovan "pahar" – a glass)… "He serves the first cup of wine to the prince on holidays and manages the winemaking staff and princely vineyards," – Dmitry Cantemir wrote.

The Moldovan governor liked the invigorating drink. Before each of his 35 battles Stephen the Great drank a glass of wine, which become a talisman for the military leader.

Wine was always generously served up on family and festive tables. If it was necessary to ride somewhere, a wooden vessel, the "burlui", was filled with wine, which vessel was able to keep the drink cool for a long time. The shepherds always took a "ploska" of wine – a vessel placed from the side. The "Ploska" was particularly loved by the haiduks who hid in the oak forests from the Turks. It must be mentioned that precisely this sort of wood became the most precious and favoured material for the barrel-makers.

That is why our wine is drunk easily and with joy. The wine from the basement (crama) is more valuable. Every court has a large or small cellar, where wine is stored in barrels at a specific temperature and under other conditions which protect the drink from cold and hot weather. Here there are also a table and a pair of stools or even old stumps to sit down on and taste a glass of perfect wine.

The villager carefully shifts his creation from the barrel to the glass decanter and then to the glass in order to evaluate its color and transparency, and then only afterwards to taste. It must be drunk slowly and unhurriedly to feel the deep sense of the drink. Wine is also good to drink from a painted ceramic mug bought at the market with the bulky decanter – the burlui. Thus the wine-producer could treat his guests and enjoy the praise for the wonderful drink he made.

Moldovan wine is produced mainly in October. That is why this month is called "The Month of the Scoop" ("Luna lui kausi"). The "kaush" is a round wooden vessel with a handle; it is an obligatory item in the peasant’s winery. It serves to scoop up pulp, mash or fermenting green wine. One can taste the green wine, "tulburel", with the kaush.

The following custom dates back to the oldest times in Moldova : when the green wine "tulburel" stopped fermenting, the peasant would stand near the courtyard gates and regale the passers-by with his "tulburel". No one could refuse. According to the tradition, the first taster should take a sip of wine and, without swallowing, silently "listen" to the new wine… Afterward he had to address the winemaker with a wish. The landlord would remember this wish, which would be very significant from this time.

In the olden days (and even now in some places) there was another custom – all the relatives gathered around a miraculous barrel. A cup-bearer was appointed according to his particular merits and respects. He filled the mugs with new wine with the scoop-kaush. On this day everyone who entered the yard was very salutatory, especially if he could sing songs and dance with the company. The merriment would last until late at night, but no one would be tired. It was believed that green wine gives power and energy.

According to Moldovan tradition a kernel of dried walnut is offered as a snack to accompany a glass of wine. This kernel is considered a symbol of warmth and hospitality. During feasts when all the dishes were eaten and the wine drunk the time for departure was approaching. Then it was time for another wide-spread Moldovan custom. The meaning of "La botul calului" was the following: before leaving the guests would drink the last wineglass "near the horse" – that meant that the departing person would take part of hospitable hosts’ warmth and tenderness of feeling along with him on the road.

Moldovan people prepare wine not only for their family and friends. The older citizens of Chisinau remember the autumn time when everywhere from nearest villages a lot of vehicles with domestic wine barrels were coming to the center of capital. Everyone could go there and taste it. The main thing was to say good wishes to the winemaker and to keep strength to achieve the end of wine row.

Finally, the Wine Festival is celebrated by everyone in republic. The goals of the Sarbatoarea Vinului are a returning to their national cradles, the reviving of traditions and the preservation of the continuity of generations. This holiday must unify people regardless of their political views, social status or material status.

There are different methods to get to know a country, the best way to discover Moldova is to follow so called

Wine Road

(Winemaking Traditions Tour)

5 days/4 nights

If you choose to get to know Moldova through The Wine Road you will not regret it. You will be able to appreciate the real value of different young wines, table wines, superior quality vintages and classic sparkling wines, as well as, sherries and so on, whichever you prefer, also you will have the possibility to visit a real Moldavian cellar and to taste Moldavian food.

They say that once a Moldovan wine is tasted, there are never any regrets…

TOUR PROGRAMME:

1st Day

Arrival to Chisinau. Transfer to the hotel.

Chisinau City Tour with the visiting of historical and cultural monuments.

Supper in Wine House - situated in a picturesque and green part of Chisinau, at the Moldexpo, territory is a modern complex, which includes 4 specialized wine tasting halls: "Crama", "Six Continents", "Via Moldovei", and "Divin Club". Here you have the possibility to take supper in real Moldavian cellar, full of home made wine, preserved fruits and vegetables, canes and fruit liqueur. You will enjoy the traditional Moldavian cuisine accompanied by traditional Moldovan music.

      2nd Day

Breakfast in the hotel.                                                            

Visiting the Wine Factory from "Milestii Mici". Here you will have the possibility to walk on underground streets situated at the depth of 80 m. You will visit the underground waterfalls and the "Golden Collection" which contains more than 2 million litters, and was introduced in Guinness Book. Also you will taste the best Moldavian wines in wonderful tasting halls.

Excursion to the medieval town "Orheiul Vechi".

Free time.

3rd Day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to the "Purcari Winery". Here you will have the possibility to taste the best wines made of grapes, grown at the South of Moldova. Visiting this factory you will watch the wine-making procedure. You will visit the laboratories, the packing department; the hotel witch is located above the cellars and tasting rooms.

On your way to Chisinau - visit the Causeni monastery.

Returning to Chisinau.

Free time.

4th Day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to the monasteries: Hincu Monastery, Capriana Monastery and Suruceni Monastery.

Excursion to the "Ialoveni Winery". Here you will have the opportunity to taste the unique sort of wine which is produced just here - Heres Moldova’s Sherries or Heres, translucent wines the color of parchment with a nuance of nut and almond and a piquant, slightly salty taste, delight connoisseurs of this drink. Ialoveni prides itself on being the largest sherry producer in Eastern Europe with a capacity of one million deciliters and a unique collection of Sherry-type wines from around the world. Dozens of golden, silver and bronze medals, dozens diplomas of distinction are among the well deserved awards made to Ialoveni for its sherries. It seems this Spanish specialty has found its second homeland in Moldova .

Returning to Chisinau.

Free time.

5th Day

Breakfast in the hotel.

Visiting "Cricova" wine cellars. Today "Cricova" is an underground town. You will convince yourself of that while driving along the streets and boulevards with the wine names Cabernet, Feteasca, and Pinot… In the underground silence of Cricova cellars up to 30 mil litters of wine acquire their precious unsurpassable properties. Cricova is the only factory in Republic that produces sparkling wine by the classical French fermentation method- with aging in bottles for up to 3 years. Over one million of all kinds numbers of representative collection of vintage wines, where wine acquires its inimitable qualities. Here are stored unique French, Italian, Spanish wines, as well as samples from many other countries; the oldest wine dates back to 1902. All Cricova wines can be tasted in luxurious tasting halls, which are a veritable masterpiece of exquisite architecture.

Departure from Chisinau.

Prices * :

1 turist                                                                                                             EUR 650

Group 2-3 pers. (car)                                                                                       EUR 550

Group 4-15 pers. (van)                                                                                    EUR 450

Group 16-40 pers. (bus)                                                                                  EUR 400

* All prices are guiding, and should be clear up before arriving

* The final price is established when there is a certain date of arrival, and total number of tourists

Price includes:

 Accommodation in Hotel 3*, including breakfast.

The sightseeing tour of Chisinau, including the entry tickets to the museum.

The transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport.

Excursion to the wine cellars including wine tasting and a present.

Excursions to: Causeni, Hincu, Capriana and Suruceni Monasteries, Orheiul Vechi.

Supper in Wine House.

Not included in the price:

Viza – 60$.

Air tickets.

Any other excursions (on wish).