Purkar wine: history, overview and types
The areas around the village of Purcar in the south-east of Moldova are characterized by a special climate, similar in its characteristics to the French (in particular, the Bordeaux region), and fertile soils favorable for the cultivation of vines.
This is the reason why drinks from this area are so highly valued by world experts and connoisseurs of quality alcohol.
The pride and pinnacle of Moldovan winemaking are the products of Vinaria Purcari, especially the famous Negru de Purcari and Roşu de Purcari.
History of the Purkar enterprise
The cultivation of vines and the production of homemade wine in the country has been practiced for a long time: drink recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and much attention has been paid to preserving traditional fruit processing technologies.
The clergy made a significant contribution to the development of viticulture: most of the plantations in the Middle Ages belonged to monasteries.
The emergence of the winery in the village of Purkar is also associated with the followers of Christian doctrine: the land leased by the founders of the enterprise once belonged to the Afon-Zograf monastery.
It happened in 1827. At different times, the winery was owned by Germans, Moldovan boyars, Russians, and French.
The company developed rapidly and in the middle of the XVIII century became a regular and winner of international exhibitions.
According to local legend, at one of the blind tastings, Purkar products were confused with elite wines from Bordeaux.
One way or another, local drinks were very popular and were often served to royalty, including Queen Victoria of England and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.
Vinaria Purcari today
The modern winery retains its gained positions and continues to delight connoisseurs with high quality products and excellent tastes.
The company regularly organizes 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 large-scale reconstruction and was equipped with the latest equipment, which only strengthened its position in the spirits market. New production methods have been mastered and the range has been expanded. An amazing "snow wine" ("Icewine") and a vintage masterpiece "Alb de Purcari" are now on sale.
Classical wine-making technologies have also been preserved
When creating traditional drinks, Purkar winemakers follow old recipes.
Thus, the method of production of the legendary Negro de Purcar, which was lost during the war, was restored from scratch:
Manual collection of raw materials and sorting of fruits.
Fermentation of wort in oak tanks.
Apple and milk fermentation.
Long-term aging in French oak barrels.
Stabilization and sterile bottling technology.
Additional aging in bottles.
Corking with natural cork.
The best products
Negro de Purcari
Red dry wine made from the fruits of Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and Rara Nyagre varieties.
The color of the drink is intense, ruby-brick with a transition to pomegranate, the aroma is delicate, blueberry-vanilla.
The taste is harmonious, rich, with a predominance of fruit tones (plum, fig), hints of spices and saffron.
Long aging in barrels (3 years) and six months of maturation in bottles give the wine a light tannic and velvety character. Contains 12.5% alcohol.
It is good slightly chilled in the "company" of game, young meat and noble cheeses.
Roshu de purcar
The second most important red dry Moldovan wine.
It is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Melbéc varieties.
The color of the drink is garnet-ruby, the aroma is berry, with a predominance of black currant, cranberry and blueberry.
The taste is rich, harmonious, with notes of almonds, vanilla and forest flowers.
The finish is long with a hint of prunes.
It is combined with lamb, game, marinated meat, expensive spicy cheeses.
Alb de Purcari
Soft, velvety white dry wine made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc berries.
The color of the drink is golden, the aroma is complex, fruity, with a touch of honey and spices.
The taste is full-bodied, with light acidity and soft oak notes.
Perfect complement - young cheeses, cod, asparagus and various sauces.
Rare Nyagre de Purcar
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 and plum tones.
Creamy and vanilla aftertaste with a light oaky finish.
Perfectly harmonizes with hot meat, fried and baked dishes.
Ice wine "Ice Wine Purcari"
One of the fashionable, festive novelties. A golden drink made from light Muscat Ottonel and Traminer varieties, 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.
Aftertaste - long, soft, refined, with light oak tones.
Suitable for desserts, whipped cream and exotic fruits.
It is also good: "Chardonnay de Pourcar", "Cabernet Sauvignon de Pourcar", "Merlot de Pourcar", "Pinot Noir de Pourcar".
Dry red wines are considered to be the classics of local wines, but other samples of Purkar drinks are also interesting for tasting.
Update: 04.11.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth