Probably the Best Floricica in Moldova
Winemaker Ion Luca, from Carpe Diem / Casa Vinicolă Luca, unveiled his new 2025 vintage wines and the season’s standout appears to be Floricica 2025 — probably the best Floricica in Moldova.
I use that “probably” carefully, without claiming absolute certainty, simply because, until proven otherwise, this is the finest expression of the variety I have tasted in Moldova so far.
Floricica remains one of the rarest and least known grape varieties cultivated in the country today, although its trajectory is clearly moving upward.
The variety was created in Moldova by crossing Rhine Riesling with the French hybrid Seyve-Villard (Datie de Saint Vallier) and was officially recognized relatively recently. It is an aromatic variety, resistant to cold weather and fungal diseases, capable of maintaining acidity and freshness even in difficult years. So far, I have tasted Floricica wines from Purcari, Novak and Domeniile Vorniceni.
Overall, 2025 was a strong year for white wines. Ion Luca enjoyed an exceptional Floricica harvest from central Moldova, with carefully controlled yields per hectare, green harvesting and other secrets that often stand behind top-level wines. Last night, he also explained how the use of a Pellenc press contributed to achieving such an impressive result.
But let us return to flowers.
The label does not feature castles, heraldic symbols or abstract “premium” artwork. At its center appears Alina Florea — a friend of the Luca family — captured in a bright, almost Mediterranean-style photograph, wearing a summer hat and a sincere smile. And here comes the wordplay that ties the entire concept together: Florea — Floricica.
Half-jokingly, half-seriously, the protagonist’s husband, a prominent banker in Moldova, said he wanted to buy the entire edition. A limited release of only 4,450 bottles. The winemaker now faces a genuine dilemma: on one hand, selling out would be great; on the other — how can you disappear from restaurant wine lists with what may become your biggest hit yet?
The wine itself is fantastic.
Clear and crystalline, with a pronounced floral profile: cherry blossoms, acacia flowers, every flower you can think of — simply lots of flowers — followed by an extremely intriguing citrus finish. Delicate, with bright acidity and a clean palate, at 12% alcohol.
Bullseye.
To me, this wine has every chance of becoming Carpe Diem’s bestseller.
I am genuinely curious to see how the story with the banker unfolds. Until the uncertainty is gone, I would suggest finding it at Carpe Diem or online while you still can.
Nice grapes, Floricica. 🌼
