Chateau Purcari - Ernst fine wine

Purcari 1827 - Elegance and tradition in Moldovan viticulture

The foundation

The history of Purcari wineries dates back to 1560, when, by his decree, Prince Alexandru Lăpușneanu donated the Purcari region to the Căpriana Monastery, then under the protectorate of the Zografu Monastery on Mount Athos. Following monastic practices, a historic, cross-shaped cellar was built on the site where the Purcari winery would later appear. 

With enormous and untapped natural potential, the Purcari region came into the sights of foreign colonists, who from the 17th century laid the foundations of winemaking traditions that we still use today, centuries later.

One of the most famous figures of the time is Louis – Vincent Tardent, the man who traveled on foot from Zurich to Chișinău, laying the foundations of the Swiss colony Schabag-Schabo. A scholar and botanist by training, Tardent discovered the southern area of the town of Purcari and mentioned the location in contemporary sources: “If you want to see heaven on earth, you will not find a better place.” He was the first to notice the similarities between the Bessarabian terroir in the Purcari area and the famous wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Thanks to the constant efforts of the Swiss colonists, which involved paying a tithe and the proper processing of the agricultural lands, Purcari became an important point on the map of national viticulture.

In 1827, Emperor of Russia Nicholas I issued a special decree granting Purcari the status of the first specialised winery in Bessarabia (Basarabia, current Republic of Moldova). It was named in honour of one of the founders originating from Germany, Harmizone. Since then, the owners of Purcari have become Moldovan boyars (barons) Dancila and Clot, but also other Germans, Russians and French.

Two decades later, at the Agricultural Bessarabian fair, Purcari received its first gold medal.

By 1878, the winery was being celebrated in a closed wine tasting at the Paris World Expo. French experts were impressed with a dry wine of an intense ruby color, being sure that it was a new Bordeaux wine. What a surprise when they found it had originated in a small village on the banks of the Dniester River. In such a way, the Negru de Purcari wine won its first gold medal at an international exhibition.

The Chateau Purcari

Surrounded by the picturesque vineyards of Moldova lies the renowned Chateau Purcari. It is a jewel of viticulture and a guardian of the Moldovan wine tradition, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. This winery is a symbol of elegance and excellence.

They have already received numerous awards and praise from international competitions such as Decanter, Challenge International du Vin, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Received the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the legendary patronage of the Royal Court of Great Britain. The Château, with its deep roots in the Moldovan wine tradition, sets a standard for excellence and remains a symbol of quality in the world of wine.

Founded in 1827, Château Purcari is the most awarded wine producer in the Central and Eastern European region at Decanter London, as well as among the highest rated on Vivino, with an average score of 4.1 out of 5.0.

The consolidation – Purcari Chateau winemaker

For a long time, Purcari wines were as popular as Bordeaux or Burgundy wines. The wine was served to Emperor Nicholas II as well as King George V and Queen Victoria of Great Britain.

Emerging from war, a new era in Purcari’s history started in 1950, when the Moldovan wine makers restored the classic production techniques of the famous wines. One of the greatest professionals of that time – Pimen Cupcea, reconstructed the legendary Negru de Purcari, while Ion Ungureanu created a new masterpiece – Purpuriu de Purcari.

Later, production ceased for 10 years when the Soviet Union collapsed as the winery was under the control of the Soviet government . In 2003, the winery was reestablished when Vinaria Purcari Company took over management. The Purcari production facility was fully revived and upgraded, and the old cellars were rebuilt and renovated using the model of the old ones, as they were in 1827. The original wine vault dating back to 1827 also has been restored and it is considered the oldest wine cellar of Moldova.

At the turn of the century, Château Purcari replanted 250 hectares of vineyards, and installed state-of-the-art technology at the winery. As Moldova’s most prestigious export, Purcari lead the nation’s international development by entering into over 25 markets including the US, Canada, UK, Norway, Czech Republic, China, Poland and the Baltic countries.

Wine cellars

The wine cellars of Château Purcari hold secrets and treasures that are the result of careful winemaking and tradition. The exclusive storage of Purcari wines takes place exclusively in French oak barrels.

With maturation periods of 6 to 18 months, depending on the grape variety, the wines develop an abundance of tannins and aromatic components. Elegantly integrated wood, vanilla and chocolate notes give the taste a unique aroma. The careful bottling of natural corks and the additional maturation of 6 months in the bottle continue the path of excellence.

Purcari 1827 wines

The Purcari wines are the result of an elaborate process, starting with the manual harvest and selection of the grapes. Using traditional methods of French winemaking, the grapes are cooled before fermentation to ensure wines of the highest quality. The fermentation, a decisive step, is carefully repeated. After filtration and clarification at low temperatures, the creation of the famous vintage wines such as the Negru de Purcari continues.

Each bottle of Purcari wine is thus not only a drink, but a journey through craftsmanship, dedication and the unique terroir of Moldova.

Château Purcari wines are created from high-quality grapes, which we carefully cultivate in our vineyards, in the IGP Stefan Voda area. The winemaking process involves only the highest quality oenological materials and is carefully monitored by experienced staff, as well as winemaking consultants.

Nowadays the Purcari Group is made out of 6 vineyards:

• Purcari Chateau - see our available product range
• Crama Ceptura - see our available product range
• Bostovan - see our available product range
• Divin Bardar
• Domeniile Cuza
• Angel's Estate