Moldova bets on indigenous grapes to carve out a global identity

Native varieties are taking centre stage as Moldova sharpens its positioning on the international wine market, combining authenticity with export-driven ambition. Moldova is doubling down on its indigenous grape varieties as it looks to strengthen its identity on the global wine stage. Known primarily for the sheer scale of its production, the country is undergoing a shift toward authenticity and provenance, with native grapes at the heart of this transformation. “Moldova’s uniqueness also lies in its indigenous grape varieties, such as Feteasca Albă, Feteasca Regală, Feteasca Neagră, and Rara Neagră, which deliver wines with a strong sense of place,” says Stefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office for Vine and Wine. These varieties are becoming key tools in defining Moldova’s offer to international markets. While international grapes remain widely planted, it is the local portfolio that is helping the country stand apart in an increasingly competitive global landscape. The ...