Wine Day 2024 was a moment of pride and celebration for the Technical University of Moldova. The Micro-Winery Section of the Faculty of Food Technology showcased once again how seamlessly tradition and innovation can come together to elevate Moldova’s winemaking industry. Founded in 2015, this section serves as a dynamic research laboratory, dedicated to producing and promoting high-quality wines. UTM’s remarkable presence at this year’s event not only drew attention but also delighted the palates of all who visited.
At the UTM booth, attendees were treated to an impressive variety of white, rosé, and red wines, each bottle capturing the distinct essence of Moldova’s terroir – from its rich soil and favorable climate to its altitude and local winemaking traditions.
Visitors had the chance to sample a diverse selection of wines, including white varieties like Viorica, Riton, Alb de Onițcani, Feteasca Albă, Feteasca Regală, Floricica, Milena, Alexandrina, and Nistreana Augustina; the rosé Legenda; and red wines such as Copciac, Novac, Ametis, Rara Neagră, and Feteasca Neagră. All of these wines were experimental products from the Micro-Winery Section, part of UTM’s Department of Oenology and Chemistry.
In honor of UTM’s 60th anniversary, the Micro-Winery Section prepared three special wines, each telling a unique story and celebrating Moldova’s winemaking heritage:
- Viorica: A white wine made from the native Viorica grape, it charms with its floral and fruity aromas, perfectly capturing the essence of Moldova’s viticultural traditions.
- Sauvignon and Riton: This semi-dry blend of Sauvignon and Riton offers a refined complexity, exemplifying the innovative spirit that drives the Micro-Winery Section.
- Saperavi, Fetească Neagră, and Syrah: A bold combination of Saperavi’s intensity, Fetească Neagră’s depth, and Syrah’s spicy notes, creating a wine with remarkable character and depth.
“These special wines are the result of the dedicated efforts of students and faculty from the Micro-Winery Section, who have successfully combined theory with practice, boosting the potential of local grape varieties and contributing to the development of a passionate new generation of winemakers,” stated Larisa Necula, head of the laboratory at the Department of Oenology, FTA-UTM. Through this initiative, the department promotes Moldova’s image and adds an important chapter to the story of Moldovan wine, promising continued innovation and success in the years to come.
The Wine Festival, held in Chișinău’s Great National Assembly Square and at wineries across the country, is an event that brings together wine lovers, producers, and tourists, all eager to discover the secrets of Moldova’s winemaking traditions. UTM’s presence at the festival once again demonstrated its support for the development of the wine industry and its commitment to promoting the country’s image as a significant player on the international wine stage. The wines produced by UTM’s Micro-Winery Section are not only expressions of Moldova’s terroir but also symbols of the passion and expertise of those contributing to the evolution of this noble craft.
The participation of the Technical University of Moldova at Wine Day 2024 was a true celebration of tradition, innovation, and dedication in the winemaking industry. Each bottle displayed tells a story of respect for heritage, a drive for innovation, and the collaborative efforts of students and professors to elevate Moldova’s profile on the global wine stage.