Cricova Cabernet Sauvignon

Cricova Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon red wine from Moldova, bottled at 12–13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Aged for at least one year in oak barrels housed within one of the world's most extraordinary underground cellar systems, this wine earned a Silver medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for its 2011 vintage and a 90.4-point rating from WineStatistics for the 2017 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12–13%  |  Origin: Moldova  |  Aged Minimum 1 Year in Oak  |  Winery: Cricova

Production & Heritage

Cricova is situated 15 kilometres north of Chișinău in the town bearing its name. The winery's most remarkable feature is its underground cellar network — converted from 15th-century limestone quarries — which stretches over 120 kilometres at depths reaching 100 metres below the surface. These tunnels maintain consistent temperature and humidity, creating ideal conditions for wine maturation. The Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes malo-lactic fermentation before spending a minimum of one year aging in oak barrels within these subterranean corridors, a process that contributes to the wine's smooth tannin structure and layered complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with scents of violets and almonds, followed by darker notes of black currant, plum, and a whisper of vanilla from oak aging. A light herbal quality and hints of pepper round out the bouquet.

Taste: On entry, the palate is greeted by ripe cherry and blackcurrant fruit with a medium body that feels full yet fresh. Mid-palate, prune and cherry-pit nuances emerge alongside vanilla undertones, supported by smooth, well-integrated tannins. The overall impression is velvety and balanced.

Finish: The finish is medium in length with a soft, velveteen texture. Lingering notes of dark fruit and a subtle almond echo carry through to the close.

How to Drink Cricova Cabernet

This wine shows well at cellar temperature (16–18°C / 60–65°F) and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing in the glass before the first sip. Its balanced fruit and smooth tannins also make it a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink ingredient.

• Classic Red Sangria: The dark fruit profile and moderate tannins form an ideal base with citrus and brandy.
• Cabernet Mulled Wine: Warm spice notes like cinnamon and clove amplify the wine's existing vanilla and plum character.
• Red Wine Spritzer: A splash of sparkling water lifts the cherry and currant fruit for a refreshing warm-weather pour.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to Eastern European wines with an approachable, internationally recognised varietal
• Pairing with a home-cooked steak or roast dinner
• Adding a conversation-starting bottle to a wine-tasting lineup focused on Old World Cabernet regions
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who values unique terroir and production heritage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cricova Cabernet taste like? Cricova Cabernet Sauvignon delivers ripe black currant and cherry fruit layered with almond, violet, and vanilla oak notes, wrapped in smooth, velvety tannins. The overall character is medium-bodied, fresh, and well balanced.

How does Cricova Cabernet compare to Purcari Negru de Purcari? Both are prominent Moldovan reds featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, but Negru de Purcari is a blend (typically including Saperavi and Rară Neagră) while Cricova is a varietal 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cricova's single-varietal approach and limestone-cellar aging tend to produce a softer, fruit-forward style compared to the more tannic, structured Purcari blend.

Is Cricova Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its smooth tannins, balanced acidity, and layered fruit make it very approachable on its own, especially after a brief period of aeration in the glass.

Where is Cricova Cabernet made? It is produced at the Cricova winery located 15 kilometres north of Chișinău, the capital of Moldova. The wine is aged in vast underground cellars carved from 15th-century limestone quarries that extend over 120 kilometres beneath the surface.

What foods pair well with Cricova Cabernet? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and dark fruit notes. Hard aged cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda echo its almond and vanilla undertones. Beef stew or braised short ribs match the wine's medium body and smooth tannins. Roasted eggplant or mushroom dishes highlight its earthy, savoury side. Dark chocolate with 60–70% cacao mirrors the wine's ripe fruit and subtle bitterness.

What sizes does Cricova Cabernet come in? Cricova Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Cricova Cabernet worth the price? Cricova Cabernet Sauvignon positions as a value-tier oak-aged Cabernet, delivering oak maturation in historic cellars and internationally medal-winning quality at a price point well below most Western European or New World equivalents of similar production depth.

Why Cricova Cabernet?

Few wines at any price can claim the maturation environment this bottle enjoys — limestone tunnels dating to the 15th century, stretching 120 kilometres underground at depths of up to 100 metres. That consistent subterranean climate contributes directly to the wine's notably smooth tannin integration and stable development in barrel. Recognition from the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and a 90.4-point WineStatistics rating confirm that the quality here is not just a novelty story. For anyone seeking an oak-aged, single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon with genuine heritage and strong value, Cricova stands apart from the crowd.