One of our proverbs says:
“The wine makes the poor rich,
Gives the crippled arms,
The legless legs,
And the blind eyes”.

Certain wines have always been considered to provide cures for various diseases. Moderate consumption of good wine is also thought to extend life. It is not for nothing that we say here “wine is the staff of the old” and “just as milk is for babies, wine is for the old”. Everything just depends on quantity and quality.

A legend says that in the 18th century one of Moldova’s rulers, Grigore Ghica, fell sick. No doctor could cure him. One day a peasant in a bull cart stopped at the gates of the ruler’s palace and asked for an audience. The man promised to cure his majesty on the understanding that the latter would handover his power, for one month, to somebody else, and would come away with him. The peasant took the ruler to Rudi, where he was treated for one month with grapes and wine. At the end of the month, the ruler came back to reign in good health. As a sign of gratitude, he later erected the famous Rudi monastery (1777) on the bank of the Nistru river.

Nowadays Moldova still offers treatment for certain serious diseases through vinotherapy (treatment with grapes, must, juices) and oenotherapy (treatment with wines) at the spas in Camenca, Calarasi, Vorniceni, 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 ageing of the body’s cells and prevent the emergence of oncological diseases and arteriosclerosis. Red wines are particularly rich in oxidisers: Codru, Joc, Dionis, etc. White wines, Feteasca, Aligote, Riesling, etc, have strong antibacterial properties that suppress tuberculosis, malaria, cholera bacteria, etc.

Natural wines are also useful for acute respiratory diseases. There’s a famous drink in Moldova called “izvar”. It consists of red table wine – Cabernet or Merlot – that is prepared in a special recipe with pepper, cloves, sugar and honey and is served hot. Wine infused with wormwood is prescribed for diarrhoea and intestinal problems.

Those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, especially ulcers, are recommended red wines that have a high content of tanning agents, such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Saperavi, Rosu de Peresecina (Peresecina Red), Romanesti, Rosu de Purcari (Purcari Red). Wines are also useful for patients with metabolism problems. One of the most important effects of wine is the reduction of cholesterol in the human body. Particularly effective, in this respect, are aromatic wines: Buchetul Moldovei (Moldova’s bouquet), Roua Diminetii (Morning’s dew), and Vermouth. 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. To improve the appetite and prevent beriberi, you should have before meals 50 centilitres of Vermouth or 100-150 centilitres of Portwein. Red table wines are prescribed for anaemia. 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 deseases.

Dry wines are used for treating diabetes. For problems with the joints, wines that are rich in mineral ingredients are recommended: Aligote, Feteasca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Reisling and Rcatiteli.

But the most important property of Moldova’s drinks is its elixir of love and beauty.

Try it and you will never regret it.

Tags: wine