With highs and lows, 2017 is nearing its end. It is a good time for conclusions. On this occasion, IPN has gathered good thought from all over the globe, this time only good thoughts, from decision-makers and from those on the receiving end of these decisions. What good has come of 2017? This is the question we posed to the people who have accepted to join us in our pursuit of the good in our surroundings and in the events that affect us. Although many things do not follow our wishes, winners are the people and societies that learn to see challenges and lesser things as extra opportunities to get involved and make things better. For each of the topics we approach, we provide rankings that reflect the opinions of those who developed them. Read further for the good things 2017 has brought to the field of winemaking.
Top 5 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment
1. During 2017 the Moldovan wines have obtained over 300 medals, around 60% of which were golden and 10% - Grand Gold.
2. Moldovan wines are currently exported in over 40 countries of the world.
3. Under the umbrella “Wine of Moldova. A legend Alive”, a record number of local wine and divine producers have gathered on The National Wine Day 2017.
4. The amount of certified batches of wines with Protected Geographical Indications has reached 2939000 liters.
5. The Wine and Vine Register of the Republic of Moldova was launched. Currently, over 74 winemakers and 24739 vineyards are registered.
Top 6 from the National Office for Vine and Wine:
1. 10% of the total of wines produced in the Republic of Moldova are attributed Protected Geographical Indications.
“10% of the total of wines produced in the Republic of Moldova, distributed on the local and the international markets, are attributed Protected Geographical Indications. This is a sign of an increased quality of Moldovan wines and their competitiveness on international markets.”
2. Four demonstration farms were launched.
“In the frame of “Quality grapes” project conducted by the National Office for Vine and Wine, four demonstration farms were launched, fitted with equipment for diagnosis of weather conditions and monitoring of disease risks. The best conditions for growth and development of vines characteristic for our area will be assessed within these plantations, with the purpose of achieving good harvests and quality grapes”.
3. The first study on terroirs was initiated, its purpose being the protection of the first Protected Designations of Origin.
“This project will offer the chance to highlight the characteristics of local wine varieties, soil and clime, and will contribute to the increase in quality and international recognition of Moldovan wines.”
4. Two of the major marketing activities for promoting our wines took place in the largest supermarkets in Poland.
“For the first time since the launch of the country wine brand “Wine of Moldova. A legend Alive”, two of the major marketing activities for promoting our wines were conducted in the largest supermarket chains in Poland, which is one of our strategic markets”.
5. 23 Moldovan wines were presented by an internationally acclaimed sommelier within a public wine tasting.
“For the first time in the Republic of Moldova, an internationally acclaimed sommelier has conducted a public wine tasting of 23 Moldovan wines in order to highlight the originality and specifics of the wines produced from local varieties”.
6. Over 150 thousand tourists have visited local wineries and wine cellars in 2017.
Top 5 from Cricova Winery:
1. The company was awarded with the Grand Prize for special merits in the wine sector.
“This year, “Cricova” JSC was awarded with the Grand Prize for special merits in the wine sector. This award reconfirms the position of the company as a leader on the wine market, producing high quality wines and promoting the country on the international level”.
2. “Cricova” JSC celebrated 65 years from the company’s founding.
“The anniversary was celebrated within the second edition of the “Must Fest” festival, which gathered a record number of guests – 12 thousand. In a premiere for the Republic of Moldova, the event was organized in the vineyards, and the special guest of the celebration was the renowned artist Goran Bregović”.
3. The company’s own distributor, “Cricova-Vin” Business and Tourism Center, took over the distribution of Cricova products in the Republic of Moldova.
“This allowed us to increase sales by around 20%, as well as harmoniously develop the Cricova brand and ensure a better positioning on the local wine market”.
4. The product range of “Cricova” wines increased.
“Cricova also stood out by launching several new products in the Republic of Moldova. For the first time, Cricova launched an exclusive divine dedicated to the 65 years anniversary of the company. Next year, the enterprise also plans to expand the range of divines, offering the consumer a larger variety of products at accessible prices and of high quality”.
5. The number of tourists increased by up to 40%.
“This year, Cricova Touristic Complex was visited by over 70 thousand tourists, with almost 40% more than in 2016. Cricova cellars, included in the country’s cultural and national heritage, has attracted tourists from all over the world”.
