2021 Vartely Viorica, Bugeac, Moldova

A hybrid of two red grape varieties Seibel and Aleatico, Viorica is a rare light-skinned white grape grown only in Moldova. Golden yellow in color with apple, basil, and lemon on the nose. Fresh pear, stone fruit, and acacia on the palate. Zesty and refreshing with a long finish.

Château Vartely, founded in 2005 in Moldova’s Orhei region, is one of the country’s leading modern wineries, combining traditional winemaking with state-of-the-art technology and award-winning quality. Their Viorica—a rare Moldovan white grape created in 1969 from Seibel and Aleatico—thrives almost exclusively in Moldova, with fewer than 100 hectares planted worldwide. This aromatic, dry white wine is celebrated for its delicate floral notes of rose, orange blossom, and acacia, layered with fresh apple, pear, stone fruit, and subtle herbal hints like basil and thyme. Crisp, elegant, and refreshing, it offers a distinctive taste of Moldova’s winemaking heritage, perfect for pairing with seafood, poultry, or fresh salads.