If you love wine and have not yet become a Wine Philanthropist, here is your chance. Sip, savor and do the world a favor while enjoying 90-point plus wines named Wine Enthusiast “Best Buys.” Your wine dollars matter and will help support the Eastern European country of Moldova where one out of four people work in the wine industry. And, you’ll be helping an economy crushed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Moldovan wine embargo. Now in the United States, Americans are finally getting a chance to taste and enjoy what the Russians have kept for themselves for so many years.
Here are our top five Moldovan wine picks:
Negru de Purcari
The most famous wine in all of Eastern Europe, it’s called the “Queen’s Wine,” because it has always been a favorite of Queen Elizabeth’s. From Jancis Robinson to other top world sommeliers, Negru de Purcari is always their top choice. This blend seduces with a velvety taste, balanced with oak and fruit tones. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Saperavi and 10% Rara Neagra. Enjoy with beef and lamb dishes.
Rose de Purcari
Indigenous grapes meet sleek nobility. The exuberant take-off finishes lean and clean. A gorgeous rose that fills the room with scents of strawberry and raspberry ending with a lovely citric finish. For any lover of Rose wine. 90 Points Wine Enthusiast & Challenge du Vin Gran Prix winner. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Rara Neagra. Enjoy with fish, white meat, and hard cheeses.
DOR Rara Neagra/Cabernet Sauvignon
With a SRP of $10.99 and labeled a Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy,” the aromatic intensity of Rara Neagra soaks the French nobility of Cabernet Sauvignon, filling wine lovers with joy over the price and quality. An easy entry into Moldovan wine plus the sexy fact that the Rara Nearga grape is only grown on 80 hectares in the world. 51% Rara Neagra 49% Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy with beef, lamb, white meat and pasta.
DOR Traminer/Chardonnay
With a SRP of $10.99 and a Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy”, simply close your eyes and drink in these flowers and minerals that transport you to the Moldovan countryside. Leave your passport at home while you attain a new level of wine drinking. 51% Traminer 49% Chardonnay. Enjoy with white meats, fish and all seafood.
Rosu de Purcari
This Bordeaux blend hums a familiar tune in the key of Moldova. In any language it’s a symphony. This finesseful cuvée is a food-pairing dream, pleasant intense nose with red fruits filled with elegant tannins. If you want taste how Moldova is making its way on the world wine map, this Bordeaux blend answers all your questions in the first sip. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Malbec.