Chateau Purcari Academia Rara Neagra 2019

Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located just 30 km from the Black Sea, Chateau Purcari has a long history as a winery dating back to 1827. It was the Russian Emperor Nicholas I, through a special decree, who recognized the property as the first official winery in Bessarabia (today known as Moldova). In this south-eastern corner of Moldova, the soil and climatic conditions are ideal for the cultivation of vines thanks also to the refreshing effect of the Black Sea and to the soils rich in rubidium similar to that of Bordeaux. The production of this wine involves some key elements: the heterogeneous terroir, the autochthonous vine that integrates perfectly with this soil, the high quality fruit and, last but not least, the passion and courage of the winemaker. Fermentation takes place in clay amphorae, and the wine is then left for a short rest in oak barrels. Produced from the best grapes in Moldova, this is a wine of great purity. The Academia Rara Neagra has an intense ruby color. On the nose, it shows aromas of cherries and plums, vanilla, dried fruit, pepper, and an oak finish. On the palate, it is velvety and refined, with good red fruit complexity and well integrated tannins. On the finish, it shows harmonious acidity with peppery and dried fruit notes. Perfect with a charcuterie board or with a steak.

Price: £40.62 from 8wines UK