Viorica - The Viorica grape variety is classified as an aromatic variety.

Country of origin: Republic of Moldova

Parent varieties: The parents of Viorica are a French-origin interspecific hybrid — Seibel 13-666 (female parent) — and an Italian variety considered to be a red Muscat — Aleatico (male parent). Both parents are red grape varieties.

Seibel belongs to the category of hybrids created by crossing cultivated grapevines of American and European origin. The purpose of developing these interspecific hybrids was to provide resistance to low temperatures, various fungal diseases (diseases caused by grey rot, downy mildew, powdery mildew, etc.), as well as harmful insects such as phylloxera.

The variety dates back to 1969. Researchers involved in its development include N. Guzun, F. Olar, M. Tsypco, A. Konovalova, and P. Nedov.

It is important to note that these interspecific hybrids do not contain concentrations of malvidin diglucoside exceeding the legal limits established by the European Union and therefore do not pose a risk to consumer health.

VIORICA is included in the Catalogue of Plant Varieties of the Republic of Moldova in the category of white-berried grape varieties for winemaking. Furthermore, the VIORICA (WIORIKA) variety is also registered in the International Catalogue of Grape Varieties as a wine grape variety.

Viorica is cultivated throughout the Republic of Moldova and is also included in the range of grape varieties grown in other countries, including Ukraine, Russia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, and others.

Area planted with the variety in the Republic of Moldova (registered in the RVV as of 30 December 2023): Viorica occupies 265.8 hectares, including 73.93 hectares registered for the production of wine products with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status (unofficially — 152.7 hectares).

The name of the Viorica wine should not be confused with the name of a Soviet-era wine blend made from Fetească Albă, Rkatsiteli, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Viorica inherited the paternal characteristics of Aleatico — an aromatic Italian red grape variety.

Dry Viorica wine has a straw-yellow colour with greenish reflections. It displays intense varietal aromas characteristic of Muscat grapes: white flowers such as acacia, jasmine, and linden blossom. Other aromatic notes include citrus fruits, lychee, yellow apples, and candied apricots.

Hints of thyme, basil, and other dried aromatic herbs may also be perceived.

Source: wineofmoldova.com