Moldovan Cuisine - Beverages

Beverages

Non-alcoholic beverages include stewed-fruit compotes and fruit juice. Popular alcoholic beverages are divin (Moldovan brandy), beer, and local wine.

European grapes are used in the wine making, includes Sauvignon, Cabernet, and Muscat. The main domestic Moldovan varieties include Fetească, Rara neagră, and Moldova (wine).

Sparkling wine has a special place in Moldovan cuisine. The country produces large quantities of classic white and pink sparkling wines, as well as red sparkling wines that were originally introduced in Moldova. The most famous sparkling wines are those made in Cricova winery. Known brands of Moldovan sparkling wines are Negru de Purcari,, Moldova, Chişinău, Cricova, Muscat spumant, National, Nisporeni, and others. They are made from a wide range of European grape varieties, that includes Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot menie, Sauvignon, Aligote, Traminer pink, Muscat blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot noir. The local variety Feteasca Albă, also used in sparkling wines, has been cultivated in Moldova since the times of ancient Dacia.