Following our exploration of Moldova’s most exquisite red wines, our next venture led us into the effervescent world of the country's top-tier sparkling wines, described by Andrei Cibotaru and finewine.md.
It's important to clarify that the wines were sampled at current market offerings, not rare collector's items or those fetching speculative prices.
Consciously avoiding the debate on whether these wines justify their price tags and if these wines are available and sold at, it means there is a discerning market for them.
This tasting event took place at the prestigious Gastro Wine Market Cel Bun in Chisinau (Moldova), where it was conducted a blind tasting to form an unbiased impression of each wine. The objective was not to compare different wines directly (as comparing different varieties and vintages wouldn't be fair) but to appreciate each for its unique characteristics. Here’s a detailed rundown of the sparkling wines experienced, listed in descending order of their price.
1. Cuvee of Purcari Adamant Extra Brut
Price: 900 MDL (45 EUR)
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
Harvest: 2017
Alcohol Volume: 12.5%
Produced by the classic method with secondary fermentation in the bottle over 60 months, this wine stands as a true jewel in Moldova’s sparkling wine offerings. Purcari promises a 10-year aging potential, and the Swarovski diamond on its label is a testament to its luxurious appeal. The Cuvee of Purcari Adamant Extra Brut is a testament to craftsmanship and elegance, reflecting the winery’s dedication to quality and sophistication.
2. Cricova Grand Vintage 2017
Price: 600 MDL (30 EUR)
Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Harvest: 2017
Alcohol Volume: 12.5%
Cricova’s Grand Vintage 2017 is a sparkling wine with a rich yellow hue and golden reflections. Its aroma is a bouquet of apricot and spring flowers, balanced by a fruity aftertaste and a refreshing acidity. Produced only in exceptional harvests, this wine is a crowning jewel of Cricova, symbolizing tradition and excellence in every sip.
3. Radacini Reserve Brut
Price: 500 MDL (25 euros)
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay 80%, Pinot Meunier 10%, Pinot Noir 10%
Harvest: 2018
Alcohol Volume: 12.5%
This sparkling wine is crafted using the traditional Champenoise method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle and aging on lees for 24 months. The Radacini Reserve Brut offers a rich complexity derived from its blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, making it a true embodiment of classical sparkling wine techniques.
4. Castel Mimi Diva Extra Brut White
Price: 450 MDL (22.5 euros)
Grape Varieties: Feteasca Albă, Pinot Grigio
Harvest: 2021
Alcohol Volume: 11.5%
Served at the summit of EU leaders at Castel Mimi, this extra brut wine combines subtle citrus aromas with delicate notes of strawberries, cherries, and fresh spring flowers. Its dense and persistent perlage underscores its refined character, making it a standout selection for special occasions.
5. The Bard of Mircești Blanc de Noir
Price: 350 MDL (17.5 euros)
Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Volume: 12.5%
This sparkling wine, produced using the classic method, showcases a fine perlage, straw-yellow color, and delicate aromas of green apple and citrus. Its crisp and mineral taste, combined with its fresh appeal, makes The Bard of Mircești Blanc de Noir of Crama Mircesti a delightful choice for any sparkling wine enthusiast.
An Exceptional Sparkling Wine: Aurelius Sparkling Ice Wine
Price: 482 MDL (25 euros)
Grape Varieties: 100% Feteasca Regală
Harvest: 2020
Alcohol Volume: 9.0%
Breaking the norm of classic sparkling wines, we included an extraordinary Ice Wine Sparkling from Feteasca Regala. Produced by the Charmat Method, Aurelius Sparkling Ice Wine boasts a vibrant yellow color with golden reflections and aromas of wildflowers, apricot, citrus, and honey. Its memorable taste, defined by fruit and citrus notes with slight acid accents, offers a unique and refreshing experience unlike any other sparkling wine.
Conclusion
Our tasting journey through Moldova’s premium sparkling wines at Gastro Wine Market Cel Bun was a revelation of the country’s rich winemaking tradition and innovative spirit. Each wine, with its distinct personality and craftsmanship, stands as a testament to Moldova’s evolving wine industry, catering to connoisseurs who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether or not these wines justify their price is a matter of personal perception, but their quality and the experience they offer are undeniably exceptional.
Source: Finewine.md