Purcari Academia Feteasca Neagra Moldovan Red Wine
Republica Moldova
Red
Dry / Brut
13.5%
16–18°C
Red meat, smoked meat and sausages
Feteasca Neagra (Black Maiden)
Vivino rating: 4.2 / 5Chateau Purcari is Moldova’s premier winery, founded as early as 1827 when it was granted the title of first official winery in Bessarabia, Moldova’s predecessor. The winery is famed for being a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, its use of indigenous grapes and its similarities to Bordeaux wine. The two locations are located at a similar latitude and Purcari soils are remarkably similar to those in Bordeaux.
Academia Purcari, our most ambitious project to date, is a collection of premium wines that delves deeply into the identity and strong character of local wines.
The result of centuries of experience and continuous research on the Purcari terroir and the congruence of bold experiments, Academia Purcari is a collection of wines created according to the absolute rules of nature: sun, water, soil, with vinification and maturation in clay amphorae and a short rest in oak barrels.
Facing nature’s perfection, man has little left to do but glorify the place and carry the story forward.
When creating Academia Purcari, several important factors were harmoniously aligned. The first is the terroir, whose unique composition and diverse positioning ensure the excellence of the wine.
Located on the west coast of the Dniester River, at an altitude of 110-185 meters above the Black Sea, the Purcari vineyards cover an area of over 260 hectares and have an ideal microclimate for the production of high quality wines, which protects vineyards from frost in winter and heat in summer.
The climate is characterised by active temperatures of up to 33°C and a relative humidity of 0.68-0.75.
The Purcari micro-zone is known for its unique soil composition - clay chernozem, carbonised sand.
Amphorae is a tool that allows us to understand how some wines can evolve both during maceration and after, without having certain elements that interfere with its evolution. For the maturation of the wines from the Academia Purcari collection, we use high quality Italian amphorae, whose composition has all the necessary characteristics for the highest quality vinification.
The fermentation in clay amphora allowed us to obtain pure wines, which evolved without the involvement of other factors. These wines, produced from the best grapes in Moldova, cleaned, cooled and allowed to follow their path to fermentation naturally, allowed us to obtain a pure result, which deviates from market trends, offering an absolutely unique tasting experience.
The slope orientation determines the soil characteristics, which play an important role in forming the wine flavours and taste.
The provision of the vineyards with light and heat also depends on the degree of the slope. The location of the hills allows maximum exposure to the sunlight, helping vines to grow and grapes to ripen. The slope also facilitates water drainage. Thereby, vine roots penetrate deep through the layers of carbon soil in search of water, and the planting in ordered rows allows good air circulation.
Elegant, distinctive and deeply rooted in Moldovan heritage, Purcari Academia Rara Neagra is a remarkable red wine that celebrates one of the region’s most treasured indigenous grape varieties. Produced by Chateau Purcari as part of its exclusive Academia collection, this limited-production wine showcases the unique personality of Rara Neagra, combining fragrant red-fruit aromas, velvety tannins and a beautifully balanced structure.
It is a renowned indigenous grape variety that reveals its aromas in a way that only Academia Rara Neagra can. Nature has painted it an intense ruby red with violet reflections, then perfumed it with aromas of sour cherries and plums and endowed it with velvety tannins. Academia Rara Neagra possesses a taste unlike any other wine, proudly carrying the strong character of the Moldovan people in its DNA.
The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in Italian clay amphorae, followed by a short period of rest in oak barrels.
The result is a wine with a clear identity, deeply connected to its Moldovan origins: intensely ruby red with violet reflections, expressive and balanced. Cherry and plum aromas define its fruity profile, while velvety tannins contribute texture and elegance.
Academia Purcari Rara Neagra is an inspired choice for those seeking a refined, memorable wine with a strong local identity.
The Academia collection explores the relationship between indigenous grape varieties and Purcari’s distinctive terroir through traditional winemaking techniques. The carefully hand-harvested grapes undergo fermentation and maturation in Italian clay amphorae, followed by ageing in French oak barrels. This approach allows the wine to develop depth and complexity while preserving the authentic character of the grape. Produced in very limited quantities, Academia Rara Neagra offers a distinctive expression of Moldova’s winemaking heritage.
In the glass, it displays an intense ruby-red colour with attractive violet reflections. The aromatic bouquet reveals inviting notes of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by hints of forest berries, dried fruit, vanilla and warming spices. On the palate, it is beautifully balanced, with concentrated fruit flavours, fresh acidity and exceptionally velvety tannins. Its smooth texture and elegant structure lead to a long, persistent finish with delicate hints of redcurrant and spice.
Purcari Academia Rara Neagra is an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts looking to discover the character of an indigenous Eastern European grape variety. Its combination of ripe fruit, subtle savoury notes and refined tannins makes it a wonderful companion to roast duck, slow-cooked lamb, grilled red meat, game dishes and mature cheeses. It is equally suited to special dinners and memorable occasions where a distinctive wine deserves a place at the table.
Discover the individuality of Moldovan winemaking with this exceptional red wine, where an indigenous grape variety, traditional clay amphora maturation and French oak ageing come together in a refined and memorable expression.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Expressive aromas of cherries and plums.
Taste: Ripe cherry, plum, forest berries, vanilla, dried fruit and warming spices.
Colour: Intense ruby red with violet reflections.
