Sparkling Wine Section

Overview

Deep beneath the rolling landscapes of Chisinau, Moldova, lies the magnificent Cricova Winery, an extraordinary subterranean city dedicated to the art of winemaking. Among its vast network of underground streets and cellars, the Sparkling Wine Section stands out as a testament to traditional craftsmanship and innovation. Cricova is renowned as Moldova's first enterprise to produce sparkling wine using the classical French method, a technique that speaks to both its historical depth and the quality of its product. This unique underground complex is not merely a production site; it is a cultural landmark, drawing curious travelers into a world where wine's creation is celebrated beneath the earth's surface.

History & Cultural Background

The story of Cricova's underground city began long before its winery was established. The extensive labyrinth of tunnels, stretching over 120 kilometers, originated as limestone quarries in the 15th century, providing building materials for Chisinau. It wasn't until 1952 that these ancient caverns were ingeniously repurposed by Moldovan winemaking pioneers, Petru Ungureanu and Nicolae Sobolev, who recognized the ideal natural conditions they offered for wine storage and maturation. Cricova quickly became a leading name in Moldovan winemaking, affirming itself through continuous innovation. In 2003, its immense cultural and historical significance was formally recognized when the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova designated it as a National Cultural Heritage site. This status solidifies Cricova's role not just as a winery, but as a vital part of Moldova's identity and heritage.

What Makes It Special

The Sparkling Wine Section at Cricova is particularly special due to its unwavering commitment to the 'Méthode Traditionnelle', also known as 'Méthode Champenoise'. This demanding process involves secondary fermentation directly in the bottle and subsequent cuvée aging for at least three years, ensuring the development of fine bubbles and complex flavors. The production takes place at depths of 60 to 90 meters underground, where a constant temperature of 10-14°C and a high humidity level of 97-98% provide an ideal microclimate year-round. These stable conditions are naturally perfect for the delicate process of sparkling wine production, eliminating the need for artificial air conditioning. Cricova stands as the first and largest producer of sparkling wine in Moldova, annually crafting approximately 1.2 to 2 million bottles. A significant aspect of this traditional method is 'remuage', or riddling, where skilled Moldovan specialists manually rotate tens of thousands of bottles daily on wooden 'pupitres' to collect sediment in the bottle neck. This meticulous, labor-intensive practice is a hallmark of quality and tradition, rarely seen on such a large scale today.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The mystique of Cricova extends beyond its technical prowess, woven with intriguing stories and local charm. The underground streets are famously named after the wines stored within them, such as 'Cabernet' and 'Chardonnay', creating a captivating 'wine city' beneath the surface. Legend has it that Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, during a visit in 1966, famously got lost in the labyrinthine cellars and re-emerged (with assistance) two days later, promising to bring gold from other planets for Cricova's wines. More recently, Russian president Vladimir Putin chose Cricova as the venue to celebrate his 50th birthday. The winery also boasts an impressive 'National Collection' which includes rare vintages and historical bottles, such as the unique 'Easter Jerusalem' vintage from 1902, making it a repository of vinicultural history. In 2020, Cricova's sparkling wine 'Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs' earned a Gold Medal at the prestigious 'Effervescents du Monde' competition in the birthplace of Champagne, highlighting its international recognition.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, visiting Cricova's Sparkling Wine Section offers an immersive journey into the heart of Moldovan winemaking. Tours typically involve exploring the vast underground galleries, often by a special mini-train, and learning about the traditional production processes firsthand. Visitors get to witness the 'remuage' process, understanding the dedication behind each bottle of sparkling wine. The experience culminates in tasting sessions held in one of the beautifully adorned underground tasting halls, where sommeliers guide guests through the nuanced flavors of white, rosé, and even red sparkling wines. These halls, with names like 'The European Hall' or 'The Presidential Hall', offer unique ambiance. It's an opportunity to not only savor award-winning sparkling wines but also to appreciate the convergence of history, culture, and meticulous craftsmanship that defines this remarkable Moldovan treasure.