Cricova
Moldova
"Cricova rightfully referred to as the 'Pearl of Moldovan Winemaking', is a unique underground complex that is renowned throughout the world for both its huge labyrinths and its excellent wines."
Cricova is the largest producer of 'Methode Traditionelle' sparkling wines in Moldova and the best known for its famous underground wine cellars.
The winery is located in a village by the same name and next to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. It was founded in 1953, in underground limestone tunnels carved in the 15th century, when stone blocks were extracted for the construction of Chisinau.
Cricova is the second biggest underground cellar in Europe and spans a distance of 37km in total. The cellars are 90 meters underground, with 90 percent humidity, and the average annual temperature oscillating between 12-14'C. These conditions are like excerpts from a textbook on ideal conditions for maturing wines.
Cricova produces a full range of wines including red, white, sparkling and sweet wines from international and indigenous grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Feteasca Alba, and Feteasca Neagra.
The winery owns around 600 ha of vineyards. This is the basis for stable quality. There are several production units: still wines, aged wines, sparklings 'Methode Charmat' and sparklings 'Methode Traditionnelle'. It is worth mentioning that Cricova is among the 4 biggest sparkling wine producers in post-Soviet Russia. Peak production of sparkling wines 'Methode Traditionelle' in 1992 amounted to 12 million bottles, all managed by hand.
Nowadays Cricova is delivering extremely high-value sparkling wines and occasionally elegant still wines. Regular awards from Decanter, Effervescent du Monde, etc are proof of sound quality and product stability.
Any person visiting Moldova should visit Cricova winery, the experience is incredible.
Vinoteka offers a range of sparkling wines from this remarkable winery in the heart of Moldova.
Celebrate every day with Cricova, because you can!
