Chateau Purcari Academia Rara Neagra 2020 Moldova

This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 8 years to allow its flavors to further evolve. There’s no need to decant. Serve it slightly chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities.

Located just 30km from the Black Sea, Chateau Purcari boasts a long and rich history as a winery, dating back to 1827. It was the Russian Emperor Nicholas I who, through a special decree, recognized the estate as the first official winery in Bessarabia (present-day Moldova). In this southeastern corner of Moldova, the soil and climate create ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The nearby Black Sea provides a cooling influence, and the rubidium-rich soils, similar to those found in Bordeaux, contribute to the distinctive character of the wines.

Several key elements contribute to this wine’s unique character: the diverse terroir, the indigenous grape variety that thrives in this soil, the high quality of the fruit, and the passion and expertise of the winemaker. Fermentation takes place in clay amphorae, followed by a short aging period in oak barrels. Produced from some of the finest grapes in Moldova, this is a wine of remarkable purity and expression.

Academia Rara Neagră displays an intense ruby color. On the nose, it offers captivating aromas of cherries and plums, intertwined with notes of vanilla, dried fruit, pepper, and oak. On the palate, it is velvety and refined, with a complex array of red fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering notes of pepper and dried fruit. This wine pairs beautifully with a charcuterie board or a perfectly grilled steak.