Sălcuța delivers true masters from Moldova

Two stand-out bottles from Moldova won medals at this year’s Global Pinot Gris Masters, illustrating the quality and standards of wine being produced in this northeastern corner of the Balkans. 

Established in 1950, the main winery was constructed and saw the talented local people of Sălcuța village in the Căușeni District begin winemaking, commencing the journey into creating some of the finest wines in the region. By 1995, Eugen Pislaru, who had a special attachment to the land and a life-long passion towards viticulture, decided to transform Salcuta into one of the first wineries where he oversaw the entire production cycle from vineyards to machinery and facilities. He defined Vitis Vinifera as the purpose of his life, before handing it over to his oldest son Sergiu Pislaru.

In 2015, Sergiu Pislaru implemented a modernisation process, ensuring both the vineyards and the winery are equipped with latest machinery, which enhanced the international recognition of the winemaker, and gave birth to its authentic and modern wines, adapted to local conditions. Sălcuța winery was named in 2018 the Best Winery in Moldova for being a high-quality wine producer, contributing to the country’s image as a wine country on a global level, as well as for the devotion to the development of the Moldovan wine tourism.

The company states its wines are a reflection of the effort of its people and terroir. Each collection is carefully designed to express a story and each personality from taste to label. Wine in its vision means the story, moments, feelings and perseverance of the work done at the highest standards.

The winemaker believes small details make the difference, and that each wine and its label have a close connection, paying close attention to the details that make the difference.

Below are the winemaker’s medal-winners from the Global Pinot Gris Masters with the tasting notes from the judges.

Winemaker’s Way Pinot Gris – Silver medal

Jonathan Pedley MW: A touch of carbonation with a palish lemon and a clean and fresh. Light intensity, and youthful. There are simple esters and it is gluey with a dry, mid-acidity, lightish-bodied and with moderate alcohol. Decent fruit and a short finish.

Patricia Stefanowicz MW: Pale lemon-green and green fruits, golden apple, white peach, and white cherry. It is barely dry, with brisk acidity, light body, good flavour definition and length.

NJOY 2022  – Silver medal

Patrick Schmitt MW: This wine is quite intense, with nice lemony fruit, some sweet apple too, lots of flavour, and a fresh, dry, zingy-bitter lemon character. Good.

Neil Sommerfelt MW: A fresh fruit salad medley and with attractive floral nuances with peachy hints. Fresh, balanced and of a fair persistence.