>>consumers and buyers give their views on the latest launches

Firebird Legend pinot noir
From: Moldova


Moldova hopes to make its mark in the wine fixture with the launch of an eight-strong range of branded wines from the former Soviet Union state.
Price: £4.99 per 70cl bottle
Total score: 37/50

Consumer’s verdict
DUNCAN GRANT, AIRPORT OperationS Executive, 56, COPTHORNE, West Sussex


I have to admit, I couldn’t really think of anything that came out of Moldova so I was pleasantly surprised by Firebird Legend, which turns out to be rather a good red wine.

The bottle has an attractive eye-catching label with a map on the reverse revealing that the Eastern European country lies on the same latitude as Bordeaux - a nice touch I thought, particularly to those of us unlikely to be in the know about such things.

And being from Moldova, the wine is certainly very intriguing and different from the run of the mill Australian and French offerings.

The wine is very palatable with a smooth and fruity taste and an air of quality. It tickled my taste buds and with a reasonable price tag of £4.99 I’d certainly go out and buy it.
Score: 22/25

Buyer’s verdict
Bob redmile, wine and spirits buyer, parfett’s cash and carry


When I was asked to write about Firebird Legend I was expecting some fiery spirit to turn up but it is, in fact, a range of wines from Moldova.

There is a range of dual and single varietals with an rsp range from £3.99-£5.49.The one I was asked to try was the single varietal Pinot Noir, a red wine using the same grape that has made many of the fine wines of Burgundy.

The presentation of Firebird Legend will not stand out from many other wines available in the marketplace.The wine itself has been especially developed for the UK market and is the first wine from Moldova that I have tried. The taste is disappointing, fairly smooth but not particularly fruity. I would not rush out to buy it and it needs to be well supported to be successful.
Score: 15/25