Moldova, often dubbed the "wine garden of Europe," boasts a diverse array of grape varieties that contribute to its rich winemaking heritage.
In this vibrant landscape, Radacini Wines bursts forth as a fresh and dynamic force in the world of winemaking.
We've published two months ago about Radacini sparkling wines, showcasing its brilliance, securing multiple gold medals and reaffirming its status as a world-class contender among sparkling wines.
Established in 2011 with a singular vision to redefine excellence, Radacini invites you to delve into a sensory voyage through its distinctive portfolio of still wines.
Wine portfolio
Radacini Wines sources grapes from three distinct PGIs in Moldova: Codru, Valul lui Traian, and Stefan Voda. Each of these regions contributes unique characteristics to the wines produced.
From Codru PGI, nestled amidst oak and linden forests, come grapes renowned for their aromatic complexity and distinctive personality, particularly well-suited for crafting white wines.
Valul lui Traian PGI, with its gentle slopes and temperate climate, yields grapes that offer a balanced blend of fruitiness and acidity, ideal for crafting a wide range of wine styles.
Meanwhile, Stefan Voda PGI, known for its sun-drenched vineyards and limestone-rich soils, produces grapes with intense flavors and pronounced minerality, adding depth and structure to the wines.
By carefully selecting grapes from these diverse regions, the wine company is able to create a portfolio of wines that showcase the best of Moldova's terroir and winemaking expertise. Among these, Feteasca Neagra, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah/Shiraz stand out as both pillars of tradition and avenues for innovation. However, a critical examination reveals nuances and complexities within each varietal.
Wine Tasting
We have engaged in an analysis of few Radacini vintages from each PGI, evaluating the balance, structure, and expression of the wines with discerning scrutiny. This journey offered a profound insight into the intricacies of its wine range, enriching the appreciation, flavors, aromas, and textures that reflect the distinct terroir and meticulous winemaking techniques.
- Radacini, Pinot Grigio (2016): Radiant yellow-pale dry white wine tinged with hints of green and complex aromas of citrus, apple and pears; on the palate, very aromatic and fresh, good texture and pleasant finish.
- Fiori, Feteasca Neagra (2019): An excellent oaked dry red wine; on the nose, notes of ripe cherry and dried plum; the palate is enriched with authentic notes oak treatment imbues a silky, velvety texture, this medium-to-full bodied wine with balanced tannins evolve into a great aftertaste.
- Vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot (2016): This traditional Bordeaux blend undergoes a six-month aging process in French barriques before its final bottling. On the nose, a sophisticated and refined aroma profile of black fruits (cherries, currants) and tobacco; on the palate, good structure reverberated in rich and elegant taste, medium on tannins and alcohol, it finishes with a harmonious fusion of dark fruit flavors and a subtle earthy undertone.
- Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Syrah (2020): A fine dry red wine, maturing for 24 months in French oak barriques, this vintage displays remarkable balance; on the nose, black fruits, rippen cherries, dried plums, tobacco, wood; the palate embodies complexity with a great texture, boasting a medium-bodied profile that is impeccably harmonized in terms of alcohol and tannins, culminating in a marvelous and lingering aftertaste.
The last tasted wine stands out as the preferred choice for discerning palates.
Instead of conclusion
Moldova's grape varieties offer a tapestry of flavors and possibilities, yet they are not without their challenges. As Radacini Wines continues to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, there exists an opportunity to elevate these varietals to new heights of excellence.
Through meticulous vineyard management, innovative winemaking techniques, and a commitment to quality, Moldova's wines have the potential to captivate palates and carve out a distinct identity in the global wine market.