Cricova, 15km north of Chișinău, is home to Moldova's most famous wine phenomenon: 120km of underground limestone tunnels at 80m depth that have served as wine storage since 1952. The constant 12–14°C temperature and 98% humidity have preserved bottles from across the 20th century. The Cricova winery above ground produces sparkling wines (the National Collection method) and still wines from the limestone plateau's diverse soils. Moldova's wine culture is undergoing rapid rediscovery as investment revives ancient vineyard heritage.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Moldovan growing season was warm and dry; balanced harvest of quality across indigenous and international varieties. |
| 2022 | — | Outstanding Pontic vintage; warm summer produced Rară Neagră of exceptional depth and character. |
| 2021 | — | Mixed year with spring frost; the Dniester valley sites performed better than the plateau; honest wines resulted. |
| 2020 | — | Solid Moldovan vintage; the deep alluvial soils retained moisture through a dry summer producing balanced wines. |
| 2019 | — | Among the finest Moldovan vintages of the modern era; Château Purcari's Rară Neagră was particularly distinguished. |