Suddenly, have you ever tried Eastern European wine?
In Japan, Eastern European wine is still not well-known, and its fame is overshadowed by French and Italian wines... But if you trace the history of wine, Moldova is actually said to be the oldest wine-producing region in the world!
Moldova is also located at the same latitude as Burgundy, a famous French wine region, and Romania is at the same latitude as France and northern Italy, so they are blessed with a climate suitable for wine. The drastic temperature difference between day and night and low annual rainfall create an optimal environment for grape cultivation!
The terroir is a very rich soil with fertile black soil up to 6 meters deep. Because grapes are grown using this soil, there is no need for fertilizers.
While Eastern European wine has many charms, this time I would like to introduce the characteristics of four indigenous grape varieties from Romania and Moldova.
1. Viorica
Viorica is a relatively new white grape variety created in 1969 as a hybrid of Seibel and Aliatico. Although it is cultivated slightly in Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic, it is a representative variety of Moldova. Viorica is usually vinified off-dry or semi-sweet, and is characterized by aromas of jasmine, grapefruit, lychee, guava, mango, and other fruits, as well as basil, and sometimes hints of honey.
2. Fetească Albă
Fetească Albă is a variety called "White Maiden" and is widely cultivated not only in Moldova but also in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. This variety is generally known for producing high-quality white wines with peach and apricot aromas. It is dry yet light to medium-bodied and suitable for sparkling wines. Fetească Albă also has naturally high sugar content, so it is used in the production of sweet wines.
3. Fetească Neagră
Fetească Neagră is a variety called "Black Maiden". Typical Fetească Neagră wines have a deep ruby color and a distinctive blackberry flavor. As they age, notes of dark cherry, plum, and chocolate emerge, and vanilla aromas are added to those aged in oak barrels. Fetească Neagră can be dry, semi-dry, or sweet, and has a wide range of uses. For pairing, it goes perfectly with all kinds of meat dishes, spicy dishes, rich stews, and aged cheeses!
4. Rara Neagră
Rara Neagră is called the "Black Lady" and is a black grape variety native to Moldova and Romania. Rara Neagră wines are known for their rich and intense red color, with flavors of dark berries, cherry, and plum, often with nuances of tobacco, leather, and earth. This combination of fruitiness and flavor creates a complex and multi-layered taste highly prized by wine lovers.
Generally, the tannins are medium to high, the acidity is medium, and sometimes floral and spicy aromas can be felt.
How was it?
Please do try to find your favorite wine among the Eastern European wines made from the wonderful terroir!
