The name is translated from Moldavian as “gold of Balanesht” and is associated with the area where winegrowers have long lived – at the foot of the highest mountain in Moldova. The most famous vineyards with rare and autochthonous varieties are located here and several small wineries operate at once. Aur di Balanesti drink is made according to classical French technology, on French and Swiss equipment from purely Moldovan cognac spirits, aged in oak containers for at least seven years.
The legend of white storks
On the label of cognac, a stork is drawn with a golden bunch of grapes in its beak. This is not just a design fantasy, but an illustration of an ancient legend. Once upon a time, during the Turkish yoke, the Moldavian fortress was under siege. The defenders of the fortress did not have food and water supplies, and when their strength was already running out, a white-winged flock flew out from behind Mount Balanesti. Each stork had a bunch of ripe, juicy grapes in its beak. The birds sat on the fortress walls and threw berries to people, thereby saving them from hunger and thirst. The fortress survived, the defenders survived, and the rescue bird was captured on a cognac bottle. I must say that this is not the first drink with a stork, the most famous Moldovan cognac is called “White Stork” and has been produced since 1978.
About the manufacturer
The cognac house that owns the brand is not yet 20 years old – it was founded in 1998. The country’s largest enterprise is located in the south of Moldova near the village of Tvarditsa. Initially, “MoldStandard” was a full-cycle plant – with its own vineyards, shops for the processing of wine material, cellars, a cooper’s workshop.
In the year the company was founded, the winegrowers planted seedlings brought from France, seven years later they tripled the area of vineyards, and by 2010 there were already 500 hectares under the best varietal grapes, which is significant for this small country.
A characteristic feature of the enterprise was its focus on Western technologies:
the main participants in the work processes and managers have been trained at French enterprises, they successfully apply the experience of the best cognac houses;
workshop equipment was brought from Italy, France and Switzerland, and immediately after installation, the distillation of wine materials began;
in 2007, a continuous column was brought from Cognac and installed, which makes it possible to obtain large volumes of alcohols.
The development of the plant continues today – the assortment is expanding, new varieties are planted, and the area under vineyards in 2017 already occupies 1700 hectares.
To create cognac spirits, only late white grape varieties are used – Italian Trebbiano, French Aligoté, Georgian Rkatsiteli. Sometimes in blends there are French spirits from Tessendier & Fils.
The products of the “Moldavian Standard” were awarded at international exhibitions – Peterfood (St. Petersburg), World Food Ukraine (Kiev), Prodexpo (Moscow). And another stage of success: in the USA, after the introduction of preferential trade with Moldova, the company entered the TOP-5 largest exporters of Moldovan wines.
Types of cognacs Gold Balanesti
- Aur di Balanesti, 3 Stars (40%). Ordinary cognac of light gold color with a light aroma of vanilla and spring flowers. The taste is soft, buttery, with hints of vanilla and nuts. Recommended as a digestif, goes well with coffee and chocolate.
- Aur di Balanesti, 5 Stars (40%). A five-year-old cognac of golden tea color with a delicate aroma of blossoming apple and vanilla. Velvety taste with hints of almonds, raisins and juicy green apples. Connoisseurs recommend the drink as a digestif, it can be served with fruits – apples and grapes.
- Aur di Balanesti “Special” (40%). Straw-golden drink was created for the fifth anniversary of the company in the Russian market. The blend consists of seven-year-old spirits. Bright and slightly harsh aroma with notes of vanilla, orange peel and nutmeg. Harmonious orange-vanilla taste, short warming aftertaste. An excellent digestif, but it can also be served at the table during a meal – with spicy cheeses, olives, seafood.
