Crama Mircesti, or Mircesti Winery, is a young but ambitious winery making waves in the Codru PGI region. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes that have earned it the nickname "Little Tuscany of Moldova," the winery is proud of this distinguished appreciation.
Founded in 2011, Crama Mircesti is located just 80 km from the Moldovan capital of Chisinau. From its inception, the winery embraced a philosophy rooted in the local terroir, blending micro-climate specificity, vine-growing traditions, and the lifestyle of the Moldovan people.
History of the Winery
Though Crama Mircesti is young, the region's wine tradition stretches back centuries. A century ago, on a hill rising to over 300 meters, a noble Moldovan family built a manor house, a landmark that would later serve many purposes. During World War II, the family emigrated to Europe, leaving the estate behind. The building, once a symbol of elegance, deteriorated during the Soviet era, serving various purposes before falling into ruin by the 1990s.
Arcadie Fosnea, the current owner, purchased the property with a vision to restore its architectural grandeur and establish it as a premier winery. Fosnea’s efforts have not only revived the estate but also placed it on Moldova's wine map. With a dedicated team, the winery has developed vineyards, a guesthouse, and a restaurant offering traditional cuisine, transforming the property into a fully integrated wine tourism destination.
Vineyards and Grapes
The Crama Mircesti vineyards, located at altitudes between 270 and 320 meters above sea level, span 17 hectares. These high-altitude slopes, with their sandy-clay soils, provide the ideal conditions for producing premium-quality wines. The winery cultivates a balanced mix of local and international grape varieties, including Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Pinot Noir, Saperavi, Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Alba, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Rkatsiteli, and Syrah. This diversity ensures that Crama Mircesti can produce exceptional vintages of both red and white wines.
Wine Tasting Experience
The Bardul din Mircești premium range represents the pinnacle of winemaking at Crama Mircești, where each wine is crafted with a focus on quality, complexity, and expression of terroir. These four wines—Chardonnay 2022, Saperavi 2021, Cuvée Rouge 2022, and Fumé Blanc 2023—were chosen for their ability to showcase the unique characteristics of Moldova's diverse micro-climates, vineyards, and winemaking traditions.
- Fumé Blanc 2023: This dry white wine, crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, offers a sensory journey of elegance and complexity. On the nose, the wine reveals enticing aromas of jasmine, honeycomb, and melon. The palate is greeted with a fruity, full-bodied taste. Ripe melon, tropical fruits, and a touch of citrus add depth and balance, while the wine’s texture remains smooth and well-rounded. This richness is attributed to its maturation "sur lie" for 8 months in wooden barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and toast, elevating the overall complexity.
- Chardonnay 2022 showcases the rich and elegance of the producer. The nose is complex and inviting, offering a vibrant bouquet of floral notes, exotic fruits, and ripe orchard fruits like apple, pear, and apricot. The oak influence brings out subtle layers of honey, almonds, and vanilla, which intertwine beautifully with the fruit-driven profile. Full-bodied and rich, the palate is layered with flavors of honey, toasted nuts, and a hint of vanilla, all balanced by the freshness of ripe fruits. The wine’s creamy texture and depth are enhanced by its time spent in oak, giving it a round, smooth mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish.
- Cuvée Rouge 2022: A masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Saperavi, the Cuvée Rouge 2022 offers an elegant expression of both power and finesse. On the nose, the wine opens with intense aromas of black cherry, currants, and blackberries, intertwined with earthy notes of truffles and a subtle spiciness of black pepper. On the palate, the wine is rich and layered, delivering a harmonious blend of fruity and spicy flavors. Sweet spices and dark chocolate add depth to the juicy fruit core. The structure is robust, with well-integrated tannins, balanced acidity, and alcohol that meld seamlessly to create a smooth yet bold mouthfeel.
- Saperavi 2021: A bold and expressive wine. The bouquet is inviting, with prominent notes of blackberries, ripe cherries, and a hint of black pepper. As the wine opens up, delicate undertones of vanilla and warm spices emerge. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and luxurious. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the firm tannic structure, providing a balanced yet complex experience. High tannins give the wine a strong, commanding personality, while notes of fresh acidity add a lift and prevent it from feeling overly heavy. The integration of oak is evident in the subtle vanilla and spice elements that enhance the richness of the dark fruit flavors.
