Showing all 25 results
Valul lui Traian is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wine region in southern Moldova, covering 43,203 hectares of vineyards across seven administrative districts—Leova, Cantemir, Cahul, Comrat, Ceadâr-Lunga, Taraclia, and Vulcănești. Over time, this area has developed distinctive environmental conditions ideal for producing wines with strong, region-specific character. The region comprises three sub-zones, each with its own terroir: the Bugeac Plain, the Tigheci Forests, and the Prut River Terraces. Its landscapes are diverse, with hilly areas, deep valleys, river terraces, and slopes of varying exposure, influenced by the Prut, Ialpug, and Cahul rivers. Altitudes range from 5 to 311 meters, and the region enjoys 310–320 sunny days per year. The climate is temperate-continental with Black Sea influences, placing it in zone III of Moldova’s viticultural classification—characterized by insufficient humidity but high sunshine and warmth during the growing season. Annual precipitation averages 450–550 mm, with active temperatures summing 3,200–3,450°C and a vegetation period of 179–187 days. The heat is moderated by sea breezes and the shading effect of the Tigheci Forests. Soils are dominated by fertile black earth (chernozem), present in 78% of the territory, primarily of the carbonate and common subtypes. These loamy-clay and clay soils, enriched with microelements from Tertiary red deposits, contribute to the structure and complexity of the wines. The Bugeac Plain is mostly ordinary and carbonate chernozem, while the Tigheci Hills also feature leached chernozems, xerophytes, and soft grey soils. Valul lui Traian is predominantly a red wine region, with black grape varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Saperavi, and Fetească Neagră—occupying 60% of vineyard area. White grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscat Ottonel, make up the remaining 40%. The wines of Valul lui Traian display a broad stylistic range. White wines are fine and lively, with complex, elegant bouquets of fresh fruit and a structured, balanced palate. Rosé wines have pale pink hues with raspberry and poppy petal reflections, fresh fruit aromas over a subtle mineral background, and a soft, refreshing taste. Red wines are deeply colored—from pomegranate to cherry red—with rich fruit aromas, velvety texture, and long, rounded finishes. Sparkling wines, particularly from the Tigheci Forests, are noted for their greenish-straw to ruby colors, abundant effervescence, fruity and floral bouquets, and full, rounded taste. The region also produces liqueur wines of exceptional quality, with whites showing aromas of nutmeg, dried fruit, jam, and honey, and reds revealing plum and chocolate nuances. In essence, Valul lui Traian PGI is a dynamic wine region where warm, sunny conditions, fertile yet varied soils, and a balance of local and international grape varieties yield wines of richness, typicity, and lasting appeal, from fresh, mineral whites to structured, age-worthy reds and complex dessert wines.