FRENCH EXPERTS TO SHARE WITH MOLDOVAN COLLEAGUES EXPERIENCE IN ENSURING WINE QUALITY

The National Vine and Wine Office (NVWO) of Moldova and the French National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) signed a memorandum of understanding, which implies that a group of French experts will come to Moldova to share their experience in strengthening the system on ensuring quality of winemaking products with Moldovan specialists.

According to the NVWO, the cooperation will be focused on developing the system of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Moldova will be learning from the experience of France, as this country is one of pioneers and examples of successful implementation of this system.

NVWO Director Gheorghe Arpentin reminded that Moldova is producing wines with PDO for already four years, but that the country is ready to identify potential Protected Geographical Indications, while the memorandum will allow not only to efficiently implement the PGI, but also to develop associations of producers with PGI.

The PGI is a system that guarantees that the entire volume of grapes from which the wine is made, was cultivated in one geographical zone. In total, there are three such zones in Moldova: Stefan Voda, Codru and Valul lui Traian.

The system of Protected Designation of Origin is more complex, as it guarantees not only that the grapes were grown in a certain zone, but also that all the technological processes, characteristic for the designated region, were met. The PDO and the GPI may be applied not only in winemaking, but also to other food products.