Sweet maple brew

In ancient times, the region we know as Moldova was inhabited by various tribes, and fell under the jurisdiction of the Roman Empire, and then subsequently the Byzantine Empire. Its location was on a tribal migratory route, making it vulnerable for repeated invasions, in the conquest of territories of the western Empire.

Moldova was part of Romania until the mid 1300s, when it became an autonomous principality, and remained so, despite integration into the Ottoman Empire. Moldova was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 and post World War II, became a self-governing state within the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic (U.S.S.R.) The dissolution of the U.S.S.R. in the 1990s restored Moldova to the status of an independent nation.

Moldova has never had a shoreline, yet throughout its history, has always been famous for the quality of its wines; unusual for a land-locked nation. While a member of the U.S.S.R., the state developed huge vineyard collectives, producing exceptional wines and constructing large wine cellars. Reportedly, the largest wine cellar, Milestii Mici (The State Enterprise Quality Wines Industrial Complex), is almost 200 kilometres long and boasts being the only wine cellar requiring traffic lights, with a capacity of almost 300 million bottles.

In 1987, Moscow’s attempt to reduce the consumption of all forms of alcohol required Moldova to rip out vines to conform to the party line; however, Moldovans cleverly concealed a large quantity of their wines behind movable walls.

Much of Moldovan wine production is exported to maintain a balance of trade. Since aligning itself to the west with a disposition for entry into the E.U. Moldovan access to the Russian market has disappeared. That being said, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin both maintain private wine cellars in Moldova, which speaks to the quality of its wine.

Moldova produces mostly French varietals; however, there is a strong movement to reestablish local indigenous varieties, such as Feteasca neagra (English: Black Maiden), which produces deep, rich wines comparing to a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend. Yet another place to put on my bucket list.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
Just in time for the celebration of Maple, Barley Days Brewery has released its Sugar Shack Ale and I love this year’s brew. With a ratio of 15 litres of Vader Farm’s Maple syrup per 1,000 litres of ale, it has enticing aromas of sweet potato pie, sweet and warm smoky flavors; perfectly balanced with a slightly tart and hoppy finish. Well done brewmaster, Alex Nichols.

I’m seeing a roaring fire; Sugar Shack Ale baked beans, grilled sausages, and crusty bread with a nice big glass of ale to welcome spring. This small batch ale is available only at the Barley Day’s Tasting Room, 13730 Loyalist Parkway, just west of Picton.