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The territories located in the vicinity of the village of Purcari in the south-east of Moldova are notable for their special climate, similar in its characteristics to the French one (in particular, the Bordeaux region), and fertile soils, favorable for the cultivation of vines.
It is for this reason that drinks from this area are so highly valued by world experts and fans of quality alcohol.
The pride and pinnacle of Moldovan winemaking is the products of the Vinaria Purcari company, primarily the famous Negro de Purcari and Rosu de Purcari.
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History of Purcari
The cultivation of vines and the production of homemade wine in the country have been practiced for a long time: drink recipes were passed down from generation to generation, much attention was paid to the preservation of traditional fruit processing technologies.
A significant contribution to the development of viticulture was made by the clergy: most of the plantations in the Middle Ages belonged to monasteries.
The appearance of the winery in the village of Purcari is also associated with the followers of the Christian doctrine: the lands that were rented by the founders of the enterprise once belonged to the Afon-Zograf monastery.
It happened in 1827. At various times, the Germans, Moldavian boyars, Russians and French owned the winery.
The company developed rapidly and already in the middle of the XNUMXth century it became a regular and winner of international exhibitions.
According to local legend, at one of the blind tastings, Purcari products were confused with elite wines from Bordeaux.
One way or another, local drinks were very popular and were often served to the royal people, including the English Queen Victoria and the Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
Vinaria Purcari today
The modern winery maintains its won positions and continues to delight connoisseurs with high quality products and excellent tastes.
The company regularly conducts excursions with tastings of the best samples of grape drinks and visits to ancient cellars (the oldest in the country).
By the way, all conditions have been created for guests on the territory of the complex: in addition to the amazingly beautiful nature and well-groomed vineyards, the area pleases travelers with a developed infrastructure.
There is a chic restaurant, a comfortable tasting room, a company store, a souvenir shop and a cozy hotel.
In the early 2000s, the winery underwent a major renovation and was equipped with the latest equipment, which only strengthened its position in the spirits market. New production methods were mastered and the range expanded. An amazing “snow wine” (“Icewine”) and a vintage masterpiece “Alb de Purcari” appeared on sale.
Classical winemaking technologies have also been preserved.
When creating traditional drinks, Purcari winemakers adhere to old recipes.
So, the production method of the legendary Negru de Purcari products, lost during the war, was restored almost from scratch:
Manual collection of raw materials and sorting of fruits.
Fermentation of must in oak tanks.
Malolactic fermentation.
Long aging in French oak barrels.
Stabilization and sterile filling technology.
Additional bottle aging.
Clogging with natural cork.
Best Products
Negru de Purcari
Dry red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and Rara Neagre.
The color of the drink is intense, ruby-brick with a transition to pomegranate, the aroma is refined, blueberry-vanilla.
The taste is harmonious, rich, with a predominance of fruit tones (plums, figs), hints of spices and saffron.
Long exposure in barrels (3 years) and six months of aging in bottles give the wine light tannins and velvety. Contains 12,5% alcohol.
Good slightly chilled in the “company” with game, young meat and noble cheeses.
roshu de purcari
The second most important red dry Moldavian wine.
It is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Melbec varieties.
The color of the drink is pomegranate-ruby, the aroma is berry, with a predominance of blackcurrant, cranberry and blueberry.
The taste is rich, harmonious, with notes of almonds, vanilla and forest flowers.
The aftertaste is long with a hint of prunes.
It is combined with lamb, game, marinated meat, expensive spicy cheeses.
Alb de Purcarre
Soft, velvety white dry wine made from Chardonnay berries, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.
The shade of the drink is golden, the aroma is complex, fruity, interspersed with honey and spices.
The taste is full-bodied, with light acidity and soft oak notes.
The ideal addition is young cheeses, cod, asparagus and a variety of sauces.
Rare Nyagre de Purcarre
An elegant red wine from the local variety of the same name.
Color – rich, bright red.
The bouquet is velvety, with a base of dried fruits, set off by chocolate-plum tones.
The aftertaste is creamy vanilla with a light oak trail.
Perfectly harmonizes with hot meat, fried and oven dishes.
Ice wine «Ice Wine Purcari»
One of the fashionable, festive novelties. A golden drink made from light varieties of Muscat Ottonel and Traminer, the fruits of which were harvested at sub-zero temperatures, belongs to the dessert category.
The wine is characterized by a complex bouquet with dominant notes of honey and sweet fruits, complemented by spices and citrus fruits.
The finish is long, soft, refined, with light oak tones.
Suitable for desserts, whipped cream and exotic fruits.
Also good: “Chardonnay de Purcar”, “Cabernet Sauvignon de Purcar”, “Merlot de Purcar”, “Pino Nuar de Purcar”.
Dry red wines are considered classics of local wines, but other samples of Purcari drinks are also interesting for tasting.
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Relevance: 04.11.2018
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine brands