Negru de Purcari
How to Say It
Moldova's most celebrated red wine, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi, and Rara Neagra since 1827.
Negru de Purcari is Moldova's flagship red wine, a bold blend earning gold at the 1878 Paris World Expo. Produced by Château Purcari in the Ștefan Vodă District, it combines 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Saperavi, and 5% Rara Neagra. The wine has won over 250 international medals and was regularly ordered by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Saperavi, and 5% Rara Neagra
- Aged 18 months in French oak barrels
- Awarded first gold medal at the 1878 Paris World Expo
- Won over 250 international medals throughout its history
- Queen Elizabeth II regularly ordered the 1990 vintage
- Château Purcari is the most awarded winery in Central and Eastern Europe
- The original wine vault from 1827 is the oldest wine cellar in Moldova
Origins and History
Château Purcari was established in 1827 as the first specialized winery in Bessarabia, making its original wine vault the oldest wine cellar in Moldova. The winery sits in the Ștefan Vodă District near the Dniester River, at elevations between 120 and 160 meters above sea level. Negru de Purcari earned its first gold medal at the 1878 Paris World Expo, cementing its reputation on the international stage well over a century ago. The wine was subsequently served to Emperor Nicholas II and British royalty, and was reconstructed in its modern form in 1950 by winemaker Pimen Cupcea.
- Winery founded 1827, the first specialized winery in Bessarabia
- Gold medal at the 1878 Paris World Expo
- Served to Emperor Nicholas II and British royalty
- Reconstructed in 1950 by Pimen Cupcea
Terroir and Growing Conditions
The Purcari wine region benefits from a moderate continental climate with a distinctive local microclimate shaped by warm winds from the Black Sea, located just 60 kilometers away. Sandy loam chernozem soils, rich in calcium, provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity for the vines. Vineyards sit at 120 to 160 meters above sea level within the Ștefan Vodă District of Moldova.
- Sandy loam chernozem soils rich in calcium
- Moderate continental climate with Black Sea influence (60 km away)
- Elevation of 120 to 160 meters above sea level
- Located in the Ștefan Vodă District near the Dniester River
The Blend
Negru de Purcari is a precisely defined blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Saperavi, and 5% Rara Neagra. Saperavi, the dark-skinned Georgian variety, contributes deep color and firm tannin, while Rara Neagra, a native Moldovan grape, adds aromatic complexity and local character. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, developing structure and depth while integrating the bold fruit of all three varieties.
- 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Saperavi, 5% Rara Neagra
- Saperavi is a Georgian variety contributing deep color and tannin
- Rara Neagra is a native Moldovan grape
- Aged 18 months in French oak barrels
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Look it up →Recognition and Legacy
Over its long history, Negru de Purcari has accumulated more than 250 international medals. Château Purcari holds the distinction of being the most awarded winery in Central and Eastern Europe. The wine's royal connections are well documented: Queen Elizabeth II regularly ordered the 1990 vintage, placing this Moldovan wine among the most distinguished bottles on the international stage.
- Over 250 international medals won throughout its history
- Château Purcari is the most awarded winery in Central and Eastern Europe
- Queen Elizabeth II regularly ordered the 1990 vintage
- Dark ruby color with a saturated garnet hue
Deep, saturated dark ruby with a garnet hue. The palate delivers concentrated dark fruit, firm tannins from Saperavi, and structured oak integration after 18 months in French barrels. Rara Neagra contributes aromatic lift and regional character, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone and length.
- Negru de Purcari is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Saperavi, and 5% Rara Neagra, aged 18 months in French oak
- Château Purcari was established in 1827 as the first specialized winery in Bessarabia; its vault is the oldest wine cellar in Moldova
- The wine won its first gold medal at the 1878 Paris World Expo and has since accumulated over 250 international medals
- Located in the Ștefan Vodă District; soils are sandy loam chernozem rich in calcium at 120 to 160 meters elevation
- Château Purcari is recognised as the most awarded winery in Central and Eastern Europe