Moldovan cognac: an overview of how it is made + 6 popular brands
The correct name for Moldovan brandy divine or brandy, as the traditional name belongs to the French Charente region.
The production of the precious "golden" product in Moldova began in the late 19th century, and today among the local assortment there are several popular brands.
Moldovan cognac is a good choice for a formal feast or a friendly meeting.
About the aging of Moldovan cognacs
The aging of such drinks differs depending on the category and can range from 3 to several decades.
The "youngest" products are three-star, the oldest are marked with the "DVFV" sign and can reach 70 years of age.
In total, there are 7 classes of aging, and an additional group includes collection alcohol.
How Moldovan cognac is made
Local cognacs are made according to classical French technology based on late harvested white grapes. The manufacturing process includes:
Pressing the raw materials under a press without crushing the seeds.
Juice fermentation and double distillation in a still.
Aging in oak barrels (the term depends on the category).
Blending, softening of flavor and color by the inclusion of caramel and/or sugar.
One-year storage in oak to create a harmonious bouquet.
Moldovan cognac Quint
The factory that produces one of the best types of divine is located in Tiraspol (Transnistria region). Founded at the end of the XIX century and since then it has been pleasing consumers with quality grape drinks.
Production of the brandy was launched in 1938, and some of its samples can be aged for up to 60 years.
The basis of the consistently high level of KVINT products is favorable natural conditions, proximity to the Dniester River, own vineyards, strict adherence to the recipe and original production technology, preservation of traditions.
The company adheres to the international quality system in the production of beverages. The products have repeatedly won top awards at tastings and competitions.
Among the best cognacs of the plant: "Suvorov", "Yubileinyi", "Tiras", "Tiraspol", "Solnechny", "Victoria", "Prince Wittgenstein", "Doina", "Nistru", "Traditions of Moldova".
Moldovan brandy White Stork (Moldovan. Barza Albă; also Belii aist)
A drink that has earned the title of "business card" of the country. At one time, it was loved not only by the inhabitants of the Soviet republics, but also by foreign consumers.
The brand does not belong to a specific plant, it is produced in different regions of Moldova.
First released in 1978.
Among the best producers: the Barza Albă factory in Balti, the Aroma company in Chisinau, the Calarasi winery and the KVINT winery in Tiraspol.
The recognizable design with the image of a white-winged bird is often used for counterfeiting, so you should be careful when choosing a product.
The original drink has a beautiful amber-golden hue and a soft, harmonious bouquet with vanilla aroma and floral aftertaste.
The average aging is 5 years, and the strength is 40%.
Moldovan brandy Kalaras
The drink is a branded product produced at one of the oldest enterprises in the country, Călăraş Divin, founded in 1896. The number of cognac names is about 25.
The aging period can vary from 3 to 40 years, with an average of 6-7 years.
Due to the observance of classical manufacturing technology and mandatory storage in oak, mature divine acquires a rich golden color and exquisite taste with soft tones of dried fruits, floral and woody notes.
The bouquet of old products contains honey and resinous shades.
The cognac is popular both inside and outside the country. Repeatedly awarded with international awards.
Moldovan cognac "Codru"
One of the legendary divinis that won the Grand Prix at a private tasting in Paris in 1981.
The cognac is made from wine materials aged for 20 years at the Barza Albă enterprise in Balti.
The drink is characterized by a dark golden color, a complex balanced bouquet and a long aftertaste. The alcohol content is 43%.
Those who have tried Codra describe it as "a truly divine cognac".
The product has received about a dozen prestigious awards and is classified as a collector's item.
Moldovan cognac Strugurash
One of the young divinis that has gained popularity due to its bright, fiery character.
Belongs to the "VS" category, which does not require long-term aging.
The drink is produced at MoldStandart from Aligote, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rkatsiteli, Fetiască, Riesling grape varieties.
In Soviet times, it was made from wine production waste.
The product is characterized by a floral and fruity aroma, golden color and prune aftertaste.
Belongs to the budget category and does not differ in special nobility. Standard strength for cognacs is 40%.
Good as an aperitif, a spirit for impregnating confectionery and as a component of cocktails. Served at a temperature of 19-21 °C.
If you want to get acquainted with the more worthy products of the plant, you should pay attention to the mature (12-15 years old) cognac "Legends of Moldova" or "Aur de Balanesti" with 5-7 years of aging.
Cognac "Bouquet of Moldova"
The drink is produced at the eponymous factory located in Dubossary, which also specializes in the production of flavored wines.
Local cognac is bottled, in particular, at the enterprises of other countries.
Local divinis are characterized by aging from 3 to 10 years, the most popular is the 5-star product.
Dried fruits, vanilla, raisins are the main tones of the drink. The product is good as an aperitif and digestif, as part of cocktails.
Perfectly harmonizes with light meats, cheeses and desserts. Lovers of mature cognacs will like "Mark" aged for 10 years.
The drink has a deep amber hue with a golden tint.
In addition to the traditional resinous notes, you can catch tones of caramel and chocolate in the taste.
In addition to the listed divinis, there are other worthy of attention:
Balti
Bardar
Bessarabia
Radiant
Surprise
Agate
Orpheus
Golden Dniester
Update: 01.12.2018
Category: Brandy and Cognac