The diversity of grapes cultivated in Moldova

Moldovans’ ancestors were growing different sorts of  high-quality grapes - Ochiul Boului, Tata Caprei, Pasareasca, Feteasca, Rara Neagra, Tamaioasa, Zghiharda, Plavai etc. The traditional repertoire was enriched by the variety coming from the Greeks, Romans, and later – from the Turks, Austrians and French. In the end of ХIХ century in France, Italy and America there have been tested and originated new types and hybrids. In Moldova there are currently over a hundred varieties of grape-vine.

They differ by the color of pearls: from straw yellow and gold – to bright pink, pink and more intense - in bright red, purple and blue to purple.

Varieties cultivated in Moldova have different periods of ripening, which extend harvest season from August to November.

The classification according to ripening period divides the varieties of grapes in early, semi early, with medium ripening time, semi late and late. In Moldova there are all the types listed. First giving ripe are Muscatul Perla and Muscatul Chihlimbariu, and  the end of the season comes with grape harvesting Coarna Neagra, Muscat de Hamburg ,etc.

By the further destination the types of grapes are divided into mass varieties (Leana, Regina) and  for industrial processing and obtaining juice, concentrates and wines of different types (in Moldova - the grapes with yellow-green pearls and rose-open Feteasca Alba ,Shardonnay, Pink Traminer, Muscat, Aligote, Sauvignon, etc.. and ruby-violet color: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Saperavi etc.)

At the category of grapes that have  dual-usage (for fresh consumption and industrial processing) are listed species Vitis labrusca (Concord, Lydia, Izabella) and Vitis vinifera (Schasla Blanc, Muscat Schasla etc..), also so-called species "stable growth” (Drujba, Moldova, Kismis Radios etc).

The high quality of pearls characterized elite species, usually these are most productive and most refined. For industrial processing and obtaining noble wines there are Muscat Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, etc.