Moldova Is A Wine-Producing Country

The inhabitants of the territory of the present-day Republic of Moldova have practiced the art of wine-making since time immemorial. One of the local legends says that the ancient Dacians were the first among other tribes of that time to discover how to make wine out of grapes and passed the secrets of the wine-making process from generation to generation.

In the 1st millennium BC Greek colonies situated on the Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers exported large quantities of wine to the cities of Greece. The Romans, after they had conquered Dacia in the 1st century AD, transformed the region into a land of vineyards and cornfields. In the 14th century, when the feudal state of Moldova was established, vine cultivation blossomed considerably. The first institutions to become involved in wine-making were Moldova’s numerous monasteries. Along with grain, wine was one of Moldova’s major exports. Dimitrie Cantemir (1673-1723) mentions in his “Descriptions of Moldova” that in the 18th century Moldovan wines were in huge demand by merchants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Hungary and Transilvania. In the 19th century Bessarabia became one of the biggest wine exporters of the region. The production of wine was mainly based on the cultivation of domestic types of vines such as Galbena, Rara Neagra, Batuta Neagra, Feteasca Neagra, Pasareasca, etc. At the end of the 19th – early 20th century the vines were affected by phyloxera, a vine disease, which seriously damaged many varieties of regional origin.

Today the Republic of Moldova exports its wines to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Germany, the Netherlands, China, South Korea and some other countries of the world. Only 15% of the entire wine production is consumed within the republic, whereas 85% is exported to other countries. The value of annual wine exports amounts to about 130-150 million dollars. Vineyards occupy a total area of 107 thousand ha: 105 thousand ha of which are fruit-bearing vines, and 2 thousand ha – young vines. With its total harvest of 350-500 thousand tons of grapes annually, Moldova manufactures 12-15 million decaliters of the most prestigious domestic and European wines. Great care has always been taken to maintain good quality and excellent taste of Moldovan wines.

The emblem of Moldovan wines is the white stork. According to one of the local legends a huge army was besieging the fortress of Soroca. Though the siege lasted for several months, the fortress was not conquered. The fact was that a number of storks had their nests in the fortress, and they were bringing grapes from nearby vineyards for their chicks. The soldiers, as well as the baby storks, ate the grapes that gave them strength and they could repel any attack of the enemy. When the governor of Moldova of that time arrived with his army, he freed the fortress and drove off the enemy. All the soldiers who had been under siege in the fortress were alive. Since then white storks are considered to bring good luck and spread the fame of Moldovan viticulture far beyond its borders.

One of the Moldovan proverbs says that wine makes the poor rich, gives the crippled arms, and the blind eyes. It is said that in the 18th century Grigore Ghica, one of Moldovan rulers, felt sick. No doctor could cure him. One day a peasant stopped at the gates of the ruler’s palace and asked for an audience. He promised to cure his majesty and took him away to Rudi, where the ruler was treated for one month with grapes and wine. As a result the ruler came back to reign in good health. As a sign of gratitude, Grigore Ghica erected the monastery of Rudi in 1777.

Today Moldova offers treatment for certain serious diseases through vinotherapy (treatment with grapes, must, juices) and oenotherapy (treatment with wines) at the spas in Camenca, Calarasi, Vadul lui Voda and Cahul. Wines that are known for their therapeutic properties are used in these spas. Natural wines containing trioxistilben slow down the aging of the human body’s cells and prevent the emergence of cancer diseases and atcherosclerosis . Red wines are particularly rich in oxidizers. White wines have strong antibacterial properties that suppress tuberculosis, malaria, cholera bacteria, etc.

Natural wines are also useful for acute respiratory disease treatment. There is a famous drink in Moldova called “izvar”. It consists of red table wine – Cabernet and Merlot – that is prepared to a special recipe with pepper, cloves, sugar and honey and is served hot. Wine infused with wormwood is prescribed for diarrhea and intestinal problems. Cahor type wines are believed to protect against radiation and so are included in the daily rations of crews on nuclear ships and submarines, workers at nuclear plants, Arctic and Antarctic explorers and cosmonauts. Red table wines are prescribed for anemia. Weak white wines, especially sparkling wines, stimulate weak hearts. Sparkling wines also strengthen pulmonary activity. Oak distillates in wine help improve the condition of those suffering from heart diseases. Dry wines are usually used for treating diabetes.

As generations change wines remain a constant, a symbol of the country’s richness, quality products and history. Moldovan wine collections are a testament to the hard work of the population, they conserve and illustrate the nation’s long history of vine growing and wine production.

Prepared by Vlada Popushoi

Moldova can be divided into four wine-producing regions

Central or Codru Region	South East or Purcari Region	Southern Region	Northern Region
This is where more than 50% of Moldova’s vines grow. The forests, hills and rolling countryside typical of the region protect the vineyards from winter frosts and dry summer winds. It is the best area for Feteasca, Sauvignon, Riesling and Cabernet production. There is also a famous microclimate zone in this region – the Romanesti – the former wine-making imperial colony of the Romanov dynasty.	This a narrow strip of land stretching along the western bank of the Dniester river and home to the famous Purcari winery. Red grape production is prevalent here. The Purcari estate was once famous for developing and promoting German vines and wine-making technologies.	The region is famous for its French vine varieties that have adapted to the climatic conditions of the area. The region is usually compared with the Bordeaux region of France thanks to the high quality red wines manufactured here.	Much of the grape harvest of this region is destined for brandy production and includes fine white varieties such as Aligote, Pinot, Feteasca, Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay.