Recently, the emblematic red blend Negre by Fautor Winery was awarded as the best red wine in the world. The award was won in one of the most prestigious international wine competitions – “Concours Mondial de Bruxelles”, during the 2022 “Red & White” Session.

“Fautor Negre 2017” from Fautor Winery got the highest score, out of a total number of about 5 thousand red wines from around the world. “Negre” – a red blend of the local varieties “Feteasca Neagră” and “Rara Neagră” – is a remarkable representative of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) region “Valul lui Traian”, in the south of the country, located at the same latitude as the famous Bordeaux region in France.

Fermentation in steel tanks. Maturation for 6 months in new French oak barrels.

It is a, relatively, limited edition wine, for instance, with around 19,000 bottles produced.

Wine Style

Wines from the Tigheci microzone are typically full-bodied, structured, and aromatic, with ripe fruit profiles, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins.
Red wines show depth, spice, and aging potential, while whites maintain freshness, clarity, and expressive aromatics.
The terroir is particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The vineyards are located near the Codrii Tigheci forest reservation and the terraces of the Prut River, which offer a unique microclimate often compared to Bordeaux, France.

Aroma & Taste

The bouquet opens with ripe black fruits, led by sour cherry, black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry.
With aeration, the wine reveals additional layers of black pepper, tobacco, vanilla, and a subtle truffle nuance.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and expressive, with fruit at the forefront.
High acidity brings freshness and energy, while spicy undertones and soft, well-integrated tannins provide balance and structure.
The finish is long and savory.

Food Pairing

• Grilled pork
  • Fried lamb
  • Lightly spiced beef dishes

The winery started as a family business at the end of the 20th century, and the following decades, marked by work, passion and innovation, were crowned with a unique portfolio, composed wines made of rare grape varieties.

Fautor is a family-owned winery dedicated to crafting wines that reflect the distinct terroir of the Tigheci microzone, one of Moldova’s most expressive and high-quality wine areas.
The name Fautor, derived from the Latin “author–maker”, reflects the family’s hands-on philosophy and personal responsibility for every stage of production.
Working with both international and indigenous grape varieties, Fautor produces wines of identity, precision, and authenticity.

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The Tigheci microzone, located in the Valul lui Traian IGP in southern Moldova, is one of the country’s most distinctive and terroir-driven wine areas.
This zone is particularly known for producing structured, expressive wines with depth, freshness, and aging potential, making it the natural home of Fautor wines.

Climate

The climate is moderate continental with pronounced southern influences, characterized by hot, dry summers and long, warm autumns.
The region benefits from strong solar exposure and extended daylight hours, ensuring full ripening of both international and indigenous grape varieties.
Dry conditions and steady air circulation reduce disease pressure and allow for sustainable vineyard management.
Large diurnal temperature variations help preserve natural acidity and aromatic precision, even in warm vintages.

Soils

Soils in the Tigheci microzone are highly complex and diverse, dominated by chernozem, clay-limestone, and calcareous formations.
These soils are rich in minerals and humus, offering excellent water retention while maintaining good drainage.
Deep root penetration encourages vine resilience during dry periods and contributes to wines with concentration, texture, and mineral tension.

Topography

Vineyards are planted on gentle hills and rolling plateaus at low to moderate elevations.
Variable slope exposure allows precise matching of grape varieties to micro-sites, optimizing ripeness and balance.
Natural wind corridors promote vineyard health and even maturation.