Cricova: The Pearl of Moldovan Winemaking
Appropriately referred to as the “Pearl of Moldovan Winemaking” – “Cricova”, it signifies a distinctive underground complex, which has gained recognition globally for its vast labyrinths and remarkable wines.
“Cricova” is the inaugural company in Moldova to create sparkling wine using the technique of the renowned monk Dom Pérignon – “Méthode Traditionelle”. The process is intricate and includes a secondary fermentation in the bottle and later maturation of the cuvée. The range of products offered by the company is marked by its excellence and variety. Currently, we can confidently assert that one of the most exceptional offerings from the Cricova Winery is the classic sparkling wine – a fizzy, distinguished, and lavish wine.
The story of the Cricova Winery originates in 1952. It was at this time that the issue of locations for storing and aging wines emerged in the Republic of Moldova. Following extensive exploration, two distinguished personalities in Moldovan winemaking, Petru Ungureanu and Nicolae Sobolev, suggested utilizing the quarries that were mined for building stone as storage sites. It quickly became evident that the wines created at the Cricova Winery and matured in the tranquility of the underground possess outstanding characteristics.
The wine cellars of Cricova are genuinely unmatched globally. Here, history, archaeology, and the craft of winemaking unite into a single entity, creating a true underground city.
Currently, the winery spans an area of 53 hectares, and the underground corridors, converted into streets, stretch a total of 120 kilometres. The depth at which the labyrinths are situated can even reach 80 metres, depending on the terrain. Just like in a real city, there are streets, traffic signals, and road signs present here. The winding paths bear more distinctive names such as: “Cabernet,” “Dionis,” “Feteasca,” “Aligote,” “Sauvignon” – thus, each street aligns with the name of the wine stored in the nearby niches. Throughout the entire year, the temperature in the underground corridors stays consistent – around +12…+14° C, while the relative humidity hovers around 97-98%. It is precisely due to these natural conditions that the preservation and maturation of high-quality wines, as well as classic sparkling wines, are possible, resulting in their authentic character.
In fact, the renowned wine cellars originated from the mining operations in this area, so from the outset, the cellars were stone mines. Numerous structures in Cricova, Chisinau, Balti, and other Moldavian cities were specifically constructed using limestone sourced from here. In certain sections of the galleries, limestone is still being extracted, which means this vast underground city continues to expand!
Cricova likewise creates sparkling wines that are produced through secondary fermentation in stainless steel containers, and the sparkling wine possesses a fruity and fresh character. This technique enables the preservation of all the attributes of a fermented wine. The Cricova wine complex has made a name for itself through a commitment to continuous innovation. At present, the company employs the most advanced technologies globally in the realm of winemaking, masters the craft of producing a wide variety of wines, and meets the most sophisticated tastes and market needs. Cricova stands as the most esteemed brand in Moldova and is recognized well beyond its borders. It is the initial and sole company to receive the highest state honor – the Order of the Republic. By decision of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Cricova winery was designated a National Cultural Heritage of the nation in 2003.
The Cricova processing facility is situated in a distinctive and beautiful area in the central part of the Republic of Moldova. In this location, near some of the most remarkable natural and historical sites of the nation – the «Codrii» nature reserve and the Orheiul Vechi archaeological site – the company’s vineyards can be found. The Republic of Moldova is recognized for its advantageous climate, characterized by mild winters, a high number of sunny days, and fertile soil. Consequently, Cricova vintners are considered among the luckiest.
Currently, the company’s vineyards are the largest in the nation, spanning over 1,000 hectares. In the central region of the country, the agricultural properties of Cricova and Criuleni are located, while in the south, Găvănoasa and Luceşti are found.
“Cricova” additionally possesses organic vineyards, tended to with care and consideration for the environment.
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