Although Italy is the home of vermouths, those produced in the Republic of Moldova are highly appreciated by both experts and consumers. They even sometimes consider them superior on account of their individuality derived from the use in their production of a variety of flowers, herbs and plant and tree roots. These grow wild in Moldova’s Codrii, Prut and Nistru river meadows and are also cultivated at Dubasari, Telenesti, Scoreni, Cornesti and Pirlita.

Classic table wines form the basis for the vermouths: white - Feteasca alba, Aligote, Riesling de Rhein and red - Rara neagra, Merlot, Pinot noir – all of them treated with charcoal to enhance the ingredients’ aromas.

Vermouths that enjoy a good reputation include “Buchetul Moldovei” (Moldova’s bouquet), “Roua Diminetii” (Morning dew), “Romanita” (Camomile) and “Toamna” (Autumn), produced at Dubasari in the valley of the old Nistru river and successfully exported to Russia, the Baltic States, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland, Germany. Apart from these vermouths that are much appreciated both as aperitifs and after dinner drinks, and successfully used to make cocktails rich in aroma and flavour, Moldova also produces Balsamic wines. These are highly appreciated by experts in the field. Moldova’s Balsamic wines - “Stejar” (Oak tree), “Legenda Haiducului” (Outlaw’s legend), “Bucuria” (Happiness), “Amar-Amar” (Bitter-Bitter) and others - have a high consistency and the colours and flavours of blackberries, plums or blossom with a sharp, pungent flavour, moderately bitterish, and with a nuance of beech.

Moldova’s Sherries or Heres, translucent wines the colour of parchment with a nuance of nut and almond and a piquant, slightly salty taste, delight connoisseurs of this drink. Ialoveni prides itself on being the largest sherry producer in Eastern Europe with a capacity of one million decalitres and a unique collection of Sherry-type wines from around the world. Dozens of golden, silver and bronze medals, dozens diplomas of distinction are among the well-deserved awards made to Ialoveni for its sherries. It seems this Spanish speciality has found its second homeland in Moldova.

The great connoisseur of sherry, William Shakespeare, said: “Come, come; good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used”.

You can confirm the truth of this by crossing the threshold of Moldova’s wineries.

The “good familiar creature” is waiting to welcome you.

Tags: Balsamic Wines, Sherries, wine