📍 Ștefan Vodă

Ștefan Vodă is a wine region in the south-east of Moldova, along the Dniester river, close to the border with Ukraine. It is one of Moldova's main areas with a protected geographical indication (PGI) and forms part of the country's wine landscape.

Mostly red wines are made here, from the international grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Georgian Saperavi and the local Fetească Neagră (black). The climate is temperate continental with warm summers, and the nearby Black Sea softens the winters.

The region contains the wine zones of Purcari and Căușeni. Purcari has been known since the 19th century for its red blends called Negru de Purcari, which usually combine Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and the rare local Rară Neagră. Căușeni is a neighbouring zone that also grows red and white varieties.

If you see Ștefan Vodă on a label, the grapes grew in this south-eastern corner of the country, not in the central Codru or the southern Valul lui Traian. The reds of this area are usually served with meat, game and cheese, and the best of them can age for years. The name Ștefan Vodă on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.