2021 Vartely Viorica, Bugeac, Moldova

Moldova is one of wine’s most exciting frontiers — and Viorica is its crown jewel. This rare, aromatic white grape is grown almost exclusively in Moldova, producing wines of extraordinary floral intensity and freshness that you simply cannot find anywhere else. The 2021 Vartely Viorica is a discovery bottle in every sense: unexpected, unforgettable, and the kind of wine that makes you want to tell everyone you know. If you’ve never explored Moldovan wine, this is your perfect starting point.

Wine Details & Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes: Pale gold with an explosive aromatic profile — think jasmine, white peach, lychee, and fresh citrus blossom. On the palate, it’s dry and refreshing with bright acidity, a light, silky texture, and a long, floral finish that lingers beautifully. This is a wine that leads with its nose and delivers on every promise.

• Origin – Bugeac, Moldova
• Producer – Vartely; leading Moldovan winery, sustainably farmed
• Varietal – Viorica (indigenous Moldovan grape)
• Style – Dry white wine
• ABV – 13.0%
• Certification – N/A

Food Pairing

The floral, aromatic character of Viorica makes it a natural match for dishes with delicate, fragrant flavors. Think grilled shrimp with lemon and herbs, steamed mussels in white wine, and light Thai or Vietnamese dishes where the floral notes bridge beautifully with aromatic spices. Pairs wonderfully with fresh goat cheese, light salads with citrus dressing, and sushi. Also stunning alongside Middle Eastern mezze — hummus, tabbouleh, and grilled halloumi. This is a wine that rewards adventurous pairing.

• Pairs well with: Grilled shrimp, steamed mussels, Thai and Vietnamese dishes, fresh goat cheese, sushi
• Also great with: Middle Eastern mezze, hummus, tabbouleh, grilled halloumi, light citrus salads
• Serve at: 45–50°F — well chilled to preserve the delicate floral aromatics

Occasion

This is your discovery bottle — the one you open when you want to take your guests somewhere they’ve never been. Perfect for adventurous wine lovers, dinner parties where conversation is the main course, and gifting the enthusiast who thinks they’ve tried everything. A beautiful introduction to Eastern European wine and a reminder that the world of wine is far bigger — and more exciting — than any single region.

Wine Producer / Historical Notes

Vartely is one of Moldova’s most celebrated wineries, producing wines from both international varieties and indigenous Moldovan grapes like Viorica. Moldova, nestled between Romania and Ukraine, has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world — with evidence of viticulture dating back over 5,000 years. The country’s continental climate, fertile soils, and long growing season create ideal conditions for producing wines of exceptional aromatic intensity and freshness. Viorica, developed in Moldova in the 1960s, is a cross of Aligoté and Sercial that produces wines unlike anything else in the world. This bottle is a passport to a wine culture that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Shipping

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