Vinaria din Vale 'Mama Rita' Malbec, Moldova

If Moldova isn't on your radar, this full-bodied Malbec is your passport to one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets. Family-owned winery Vinăria din Vale is located near the Lower Prut UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected wetland created to conserve rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Based in Southern Moldova, it boasts clay-rich soils that provide excellent water retention and contribute to the depth, structure, and longevity of the wines. Founded by agronomist Vladimir Davidescu and now guided by internationally experienced Chief Winemaker Andrian Taranu, the winery controls the entire process from vine to bottle, with over 1,000 hectares of vineyards. This full bodied, intense Malbec is made with a deep respect for the vineyard and a precise, thoughtful approach in the cellar. Partially aged with oak staves and kept in optimal conditions, Mama Rita Malbec unveils the authentic spirit of Moldovan winemaking and introduces a winery deeply connected to family, land, and heritage. Here’s how it tastes: The glass is filled with soft aromas of figs, juicy plums, cherries, blackberries, and dried fruit, with sweet spice accents. It has an intense and balanced profile with a hint of tobacco, pairing perfectly with beef carpaccio or your favourite roast dinner.