PURCARI | Grande Cuvée de Purcari | Extra Brut | Vintage 2017
chardonnay | pinot noir | pinot blanc

We will be evaluating wines in no particular order on no particular schedule. Just stay tuned and you will never miss our reviews. If the wine is tasted more than once, the rating table will be updated so as to reflect all the new impressions and observations.

Today we are going to review on of the best (if not ‘the’ best) sparkling wine of Moldova – Grande Cuvée de Purcari Extra Brut Vintage 2017 by Purcari. This is a genuine crémant wine, produced using the authentic méthode traditionelle technique, the same way the famous Champagne wines are made, with second fermentation in the bottle, using the three main grape varieties used in the Champagne region: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc. With manual bottle remuage and aged for 18 months on fine lees (sur lie ageing), which allowed it to develop extra complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate, this wine is the winemaker’s flagship sparkling cuvée. Due to long term second fermentation in the bottle and further bottle maturation, the wine develops extra complexity and delivers enhanced creaminess on the palate. Also, this is a so called millésime sparkling wine, which means that it was created from a single harvest, that of 2017. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to the tasting results.
_________________________________________________________________________
Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: pastel-yellow hues

//Olfactory

intensity: pronounced & yeasty
fruit character: ripe & underripe

On the first nose, this sparkling wine unveils a charming character, balancing between the ripe and underripe fruit nuances. The foreground provides a delightful interplay of green and yellow fruits, with an intriguing zest of citrus. Sour apple, gooseberry and lemon form a refreshing alliance with the underripe essence of green pear and unripe quince. In the background, the wine unfolds its complexity with a nuanced leesy-yeasty layer, with nuanced notes of autolysis. This harmonious fusion creates one of the most complex aromatic profiles, where the vibrant fruits take center stage, gracefully supported by the underlying layers of lees-driven sophistication.

//Palate

sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & elegant

On the palate, this sparkling wine delivers a delightful sensory journey. It showcases a vibrant fruit character, combining ripe and underripe fruits with notes of autolysis that add a touch of refinement. The palate is invigorated by a bright acidity that imparts a crisp and revitalizing character, that is further enriched by nuanced yeasty undertones, providing depth and complexity. The mouthfeel brings a touch of alcoholic warmth, adding a subtle layer of sophistication to the overall tasting experience. The finish is leaving behind a velvety-crisp and lingering aftertaste that enhances the overall appeal.

//Verdict

maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 3 or 4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this sparkling wine unfolds itself as a delightfully complex and refreshingly crisp indulgence. Its vibrant fruit character, seamlessly blending ripe and underripe green fruits with citrus, captivates the senses from the first whiff to the final sip. The palate, with its bright acidity and nuanced yeasty notes, showcases a supple and well-structured composition. The subtle touch of alcoholic warmth adds a layer of sophistication, creating a harmonious balance. Overall, this sparkling wine embodies elegance with its lean profile and meticulous craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to the skill & artistry of the winemaker, resembling a blueprint Champagne wine in its finesse and allure. This is a sparkling wine that effortlessly combines complexity with a refreshing crispness, offering a pleasurable tasting experience for those who appreciate a well-crafted sparkling wine.

//Scoring
PURCARI | Grande Cuvée de Purcari | Extra Brut | Vintage 2017
variety: chardonnay | pinot noir | pinot blanc
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda | Purcari
rating: 94.0
_________________________________________________________________________

This is definitely a great wine of Moldova and, with a total of 94.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on this sparkling wine’s refreshing crispness and its vibrant fruit character, we would recommend pairing it with a seafood ceviche. The wine’s bright acidity and its nuanced yeasty accent will harmonize effortlessly with the fresh and zesty flavors of the ceviche, enhancing the overall dining experience. You might opt for a medley of green and yellow fruits, such as mango and avocado, to complement the wine’s underripe and ripe fruit nuances. The supple and well-structured profile of the wine will complement the delicate textures of the seafood, while its lean and elegant nature will provide a perfect backdrop for the ceviche’s lively and citrusy notes. This pairing offers a symphony of flavors that celebrates the wine’s complexity, creating a culinary experience that resonates with finesse and sophistication. Enjoy!

_________________________________________________________________________
© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.