Cricova Wine Shop, Chisinau

What to buy here: Negru de Purcari - Moldova's premium wine brand - is made traditionally from Cabernet Sauvignon, Rara Neagră and Saperavi grapes which are grown and picked in the eponymous region of Purcari, on the right bank of the Dniester river. The name "Negru de Purcari" translates to “dark red of Purcari” and is due to the fact that the wine is left to mature for several years in oak casks at one of the country's oldest cellars. Acknowledged internationally for its superb quality, Negru de Purcari has won several prestigious awards. Fossilized imprints of grape vine found on Moldovan territory suggest that it has grown here since as early as 6 million years ago. Strong political and economic ties with Greece at the end of III B.C., followed by the arrival of the Romans, boosted the development of Moldovan viticulture. In the middle ages, Moldova became a prominent wine exporter. Traditional local varietals include Fateasca Alba, Fateasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Galbena and Plavai. Moldova also cultivates major French varietals, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Aligote, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat. Domestic wine-making is widespread across the nation and no celebration passes without a hearty volume of homemade wine being consumed. Some of the national wine brands, such as Fateasca Alba, Fateasca Regala and Rara Neagra, reportedly have even made their way to the royal courts of Europe.

These and other splendid wines can be bought in Cricova Wine Shop at 128 Stefan cel Mare Blvd (tel.+373-22-229362, hours Mon-Fri: 9 am - 7 pm, Sat-Sun: 10 am - 8 pm).