The region with protected geographical indication (PGI) Stefan Voda is considered an area where they grow the Rara Neagra grape variety. It unites producers from the districts of Stefan Voda (Purcari, Rascaieti, Talmaza), Causeni (Leuntea), Basarabeasca and Cimislia. The geographical region covers the area of 10,000 ha and is expanding on a yearly basis.
Cultural environment
Quality, popularity and organoleptic characteristics of wines with PGI Stefan Voda depend on a combination of natural and human factors (soil, climate, pedology, varieties, traditions, etc.) called terroir.
The relief is represented by plains, hills and terraces located along Dniester River. The region is located in a climatic zone identical to the zone of Bordeaux (France).
Mild, sunny climate with limited quantity of precipitations is influenced by Dniester and proximity of the Black Sea (80 km). The water area forms a special microclimate, perfect for growing grapes, especially red varieties. Not without a reason they say that great wines “grow” along great rivers.
Soils – brown and ash gray, regular and carbonated black soils rich in humus and microelements. The region is located at the altitude of 120-160 meters above the sea level.
Classic technology is passed from generation to generation, successfully combining with the modern one.
Most popular varieties
Red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Malbec, Gamay Freaux, Saperavi, Traminer Rose, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Albarossa, Marselan, Shiraz, Carmenere, Petit Verdot, Negroamaro, Alibernet, Montepulciano.
White grape varieties: Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Feteasca Alba, Riesling, Aligote, Rkatsiteli, Furmint, Pinot Blanc, Viognier.
Organoleptic properties of wines with PGI Stefan Voda
Red aged wines: intense color from pomegranate to cherry blossom, with light ruddy hue in matured wine. Red fruits and forest berries dominate the bouquet – sour cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, dry plum, spices. Noble intense fruity and creamy flavor with oak notes.
Wines from Rara Neagra grapes: dry and thin, easily drinkable right in the first year of vintage, which is rare for wines from red grape varieties. In the first year of production the color is not intense, red-ruby. There are red and black berries in the aroma. Deep and pleasant astringent flavor.
White wines: aroma or bouquet of white fruits, harmoniously combining with black currant and violets. Deep, creamy, fresh and lively flavor.
Curious facts
- Rara Neagra variety is known under different names – Babeasca Neagra, Cracana, Caldarusa. In Romania it is called Babeasca Neagra, while in Ukraine – Sereksiya Charni.
- One of the favorite wines of Stefan cel Mare (known from the chronicles of Ion Neculce), “Cracana de Nicoresti” – “a drink for sinful saints, like us”.
- How the name of the variety appeared as Babeasca Neagra: during vintage, Stefan cel Mare hit the road accompanied by his warriors. One evening, one soldier named Razvan was allowed to see his beloved from Nicoresti (now Galati) with the condition that he was going to be back by dawn. On his way back, the warrior was stopped by an old woman. She offered him a glass of wine in memoriam of her son killed by the Turks. The warrior could not afford to be late and refused, but the woman gave him two flasks of wine to treat the others too. Razvan was back at the dawn, but Stefan cel Mare did notice he had not been there for the whole night. Having told the ruler where he had been gone, Razvan wanted to gain the ruler’s favor and offered him wine from Nicoresti he had been treated to. The ruler liked the wine and when he heard it had come from an old woman from Nicoresti, he said: “Then let’s call it Babeasca Neagra de Nicoresti (Old Woman’s Black from Nicoresti) and have another glass”.
Winemakers
Sălcuţa LLC, Mezalimpe LLC, Crama Domnească LLC, Suvorov Vin LLC, Ampelos LLC, Vinăria Purcari LLC, Săiți JSC, Tudora Vin JSC, Vinăria Volontiri JSC, Lion-Gri LLC, Cimişlia JSC, Daranuța-serv LLC, Bravo Wine LLC, Javgur-vin JSC, Basarabia Lwin-Invest LLC, Asconi LLC.
