The 20-year-old cognac produced by Aroma won the great gold medal at the Chisinau Wines& Spirits Contest 2010, Info-Prim Neo reports. The medal was handed over by Premier Vlad Filat at the opening of the ExpoVin Moldova-2010 exhibition. He praised the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry for its efforts to identify methods of restructuring Aroma, which several months ago was close to insolvency. He voiced hope the national wines and cognacs will continue to contribute to the improvement of Moldova's image. Minister of Agriculture Valeriu Cosarciuc said for the first the contest was held under the aegis of the International Organization of Vine and Wine. Fifty-three companies from 11 countries presented 206 samples at the contest. The minister approved of the new format of ExpoVin Moldova. The exhibition does not consist of traditional stands, but zones divided according to categories of wines. During the four exhibition days, 115 companies from 16 countries will hold tasting events and presentations of wines, food products, modern technology and equipment for making wines and alcoholic drinks.