Moldavian cognac, popular in Russia since the days of the USSR, is recognized primarily by its characteristic label. It depicts a white stork against a cluster of magnificent grapes grown under the bright sun of Moldova. How to choose the Moldavian cognac? This question is of interest to many consumers.
20 years earlier
When choosing cognac, some people rely on the prevailing opinion that a good, high-quality, real product can only be French. Without any doubt that the masters of Poitou-Charentes and other regions of a distant country know how to prepare a wonderful strong drink, we will rightly pay tribute to the masters of Soviet cognac affairs. Alcohol based on grapes they made what was needed, the fortress was not to occupy!
Russia began to produce zest on an industrial scale two decades earlier than France. Cognac Shustova and Sarajeva (it is known that in pre-revolutionary Russia there were two manufacturers - the firms D. Z. Sarajev and K. L. Shustov with sons) were firmly registered in the French side when enterprising foreigners filed a patent for the word “cognac” (French cognac). But the drink from Russia never suffered from a lack of attention of connoisseurs.
On a scientific basis
Indeed, the wonderful gift of memories stubbornly states: before the Great October Socialist Revolution, which stirred the world in 1917, Russian cognac was the best and most widespread in Europe . He was loved and recognized by everyone who deigned to "bite" at least once. They chose consciously: for taste, aroma, pleasant golden color.
In times not so distant (Soviet), the production of strong grape "with stars" was put on a scientific basis. There were no variegated “technical conditions” - they adhered to state standards developed according to strict canons. For example, the Institute of Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, the Moldavian Research Institute of the Food Industry were studying volatile aromatic cognac compounds.
In order to learn how to choose the right Moldavian cognac, you need to imagine the process of its manufacture. Cognac alcohol is obtained from distilled white dry wine by distillation . The latter is placed in an oak barrel (if it is a tank of a different material, then oak riveting must be present). Enriched with tannins, the strong drink acquires a characteristic taste and smell.
Tiraspol Quint
One of the famous manufacturers of cognac (divins) is the KVINT Tiraspol wine and brandy factory. The company was founded in 1897 (today it is part of the Sheriff holding). The abbreviation stands for simply: "cognacs, wines and drinks of Tiraspol." On store shelves, plant products are not uncommon. So the Moldavian cognac does not lose the previously achieved consumer sympathies, it is chosen for decent quality and at an affordable price.
When choosing, you should remember that the KVINT brand combines cognacs of three categories: ordinary, vintage, collection. Long-term consumer reviews confirm: in their price category, ordinary (endurance - 3-5 years) divins are "very nothing." The color of the contents of the treasured bottle varies from the color of a weak tea to a thick amber. And although they say that there are no comrades for the taste and color, many Quint connoisseurs choose Moldavian brandy “Quint”.
Vintage and collectible
Among the vintage KVINT cognacs , “Surprise” and “Doina” stand out, produced according to a recipe developed in the 50-60s of the XX century. They have a harmoniously selected bouquet with citrus notes, are easy to drink, leave a pleasant chocolate aftertaste. It also includes brands such as Tiras and Nistru.
Collectible brandies have seven names: Tiraspol, Victoria, Solnechny, Suvorov, Chernetskiy, Yubileiny have a shutter speed of at least 15 years, and Prince Wittgenstein - 50 years. The process of maturation of special alcohols is very complicated, requires special conditions. But gourmets testify: the bouquet and aroma are magnificent. Vanilla notes sound bright, Moldavian cognac takes on a particularly delicate taste.
Cognac "Quint": "White Stork"
Who is not familiar with Moldavian cognacs? The names are by ear. One of the best-selling cognac brands is White Stork. In 1979, the Government of the Moldavian SSR assigned it to the Balti plant. Then the products were bottled in other factories. After the republic left the USSR, the White Stork brand registered Quint. The brand is recognized as a national treasure of Moldova.
At present, the Moldavian cognac "White Stork" - an ordinary divin with a strength of 40% - is produced in Balti, Chisinau. A complex bouquet with floral shades is named after the white bird-defender: according to legend, storks brought grapes to the besieged Moldavian fortress, thereby saving people dying from hunger and thirst, and therefore became a symbol of Moldovan wine production.
Chisinau wine-brandy factory (that was the name of the company in 1959) was repeatedly reorganized, renamed. In 1983, it was the production association AROMA. Already in the 2000s, he became a joint stock company. High level of management and compliance with international standards are certified. It is not without reason that Moldavian cognac is famous. "White Stork" is no exception.
We buy competently
Moldavian cognac in Moscow can be bought both in branded and small retail outlets, as well as in online stores. The products are approved for sale on the Russian markets by Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Agency for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being).
Given the richness of the proposals, it is important to take the choice of alcohol carefully. Basic rules for the purchase:
1. Try to buy alcohol in specialized stores - there, at your request, you will always be presented with a quality certificate.
2. Always specify the country of manufacture of brandy (divin) and the company.
3. Do not save on health - in any case, the price of a quality drink cannot be 30-40 percent lower than the average market price.
4. Remember: the age of cognac is the time that it was in oak barrels. After bottling the year for cognacs - "not wealth."
5. Strong drink is not sold in a plastic container (only glass!) - a chemical reaction is under way and harmful substances are released into the liquid. Label, cork - everything should be flawless (the cork is well twisted, glue does not “leak” from under the label).
6. Well, and finally, in the “liquid amber” you acquire, there should be no turbidity and sediment. Have a good shopping!