Moldova recently achieved significant success at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2024, winning eight awards in the Sparkling Wine Contest.
This success is important for Moldova's wine industry and offers a chance to examine the factors behind it and what it means for the future of Moldovan winemaking.
Top Recognition: Grand Gold Award
The highlight of Moldova's success was the Radacini Reserve Brut 2018 of Radacini Wines, which clinched the coveted Grand Gold Award. This exceptional sparkling wine, composed of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier, represents the pinnacle of Moldovan winemaking excellence. Radacini Wines' meticulous blending and aging processes have yielded a sparkling wine that stands out on the global stage
Cricova Winery's Gold Medals: Sustained Quality?
Cricova Winery won two Gold medals. The Cricova Elogiu 2017, a 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine, impressed judges with its elegance and refined character.
Additionally, the Cricova Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs 2017, crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, showcased the winery's versatility and commitment to producing top-tier sparkling wines.
Silver Medals: Evidence of Diversity and Quality
Moldova also won five silver medals for Aurelius Glera Brut 2022 (Aurelius Winery), Apriori Wine Feteasca Alba Brut 2022 (Consalcom), Maestro Wine Blanc de Blancs 2022 (Consalcom), Maestro Cuvee Brut 2022 (Consalcom), and Radacini Feteasca Alba (Radacini Wines). These awards show the variety and innovative approaches in Moldovan winemaking. A deeper analysis is needed to understand if these wines consistently meet international standards.
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: History and Method
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) started in 1994 and has become a global wine competition, holding sessions in various locations since 2006. This year's sessions were in Guanajuato, Dammam, Alghero, and Brussels. The competition uses blind evaluations by a jury of fifty professionals from different countries, ensuring a rigorous assessment process. However, we should consider how the investments from host regions might influence the competition outcomes.
Judging Process: Criteria and Impact
The CMB scores wines and awards Silver, Gold, and Grand Gold medals based on specific score ranges. Wines scoring above 90 receive the Grand Gold Medal. While this system is transparent, it is important to consider if the scoring adequately reflects the differences in wine quality and if there are biases based on the wine’s origin or producer reputation.
Future Directions: Building on Success
Moldova's performance at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2024 is a positive milestone. To build on this success, Moldovan wineries need to focus on continuous improvement, effective marketing, and expanding in global markets.
In conclusion, with eight awards, including the prestigious Grand Gold Award, Moldova has firmly established itself as a rising star in the world of sparkling wines.