A dark red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and Rara neagră from the Purcari estate, founded in 1827. Its red won a medal in Paris in 1878 and it supplied the Russian imperial court.
It is a single estate’s wine from a defined vineyard, made under licence; there is nothing about it that happens in a kitchen.
What goes into it
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and Rara neagră grapes
- yeast
- oak
How it is made
The three varieties are grown and fermented separately on their skins, then blended — Saperavi supplies colour and acidity, Cabernet structure, Rara neagră perfume. The blend matures in oak for a year or more and then in bottle, and it is built to age for a decade or two.
How long it takes: one vintage a year, then years in oak and bottle
How it is eaten
With lamb, game and mature cheese, decanted.
History
The Purcari estate was founded in 1827 and its red won a medal in Paris in 1878; it supplied the Russian imperial court.
Frequently asked questions
What is Negru de Purcari?
Negru de Purcari is a wine & spirit from Moldova: dark red blend of Cabernet, Saperavi and Rara neagră. The Purcari estate was founded in 1827 and its red won a medal in Paris in 1878; it supplied the Russian imperial court.
How is Negru de Purcari made?
The three varieties are grown and fermented separately on their skins, then blended — Saperavi supplies colour and acidity, Cabernet structure, Rara neagră perfume. The blend matures in oak for a year or more and then in bottle, and it is built to age for a decade or two. It takes one vintage a year, then years in oak and bottle.
Can I make Negru de Purcari at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a single estate’s wine from a defined vineyard, made under licence; there is nothing about it that happens in a kitchen.
What goes into Negru de Purcari?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and Rara neagră grapes, yeast, oak.
How is Negru de Purcari eaten?
With lamb, game and mature cheese, decanted.
