PURCARI | Grande Cuvée de Purcari | Extra Brut | Vintage 2018
chardonnay | pinot blanc | pinot noir
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Today we are going to review on of the best (if not ‘the‘ best) sparkling wines of Moldova, from one of its most famous winemakers – Grande Cuvée de Purcari Extra Brut Vintage 2018 by Purcari. This is a true crémant wine, produced by applying the authentic méthode traditionelle vinification technique, the same way the famous Champagne wines are made in France, with second fermentation in the bottle, using the three main grape varieties of the Champagne region: chardonnay (60%), pinot blanc (30%) and pinot noir (10%). With manual bottle remuage and second fermentation in the bottle, this wine is the winemaker’s flagship sparkling cuvée. It has been aged for 18 months on fine lees (sur lie), which allowed the wine to develop aromatic sophistication, extra complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate. Also, this is a so called millésime sparkling wine, which means that it has been crafted from a single harvest, that of 2018 (you can read the reviews for the previous versions here: Vintage 2016 & Vintage 2017). That said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to the tasting results.
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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 on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & citrusy-yeasty
fruit character: ripe & underripe
This sparkling wine opens up with a delightful interplay of ripe and underripe fruit character. Leading the charge are vibrant citrus notes, reminiscent of lemon and lime, supported by a burst of freshness in the background, where a nuanced yeasty and leesy character uncovers, hinting at the wine’s secondary fermentation, adding a touch of complexity to the overall aromatic profile. This harmonious fusion creates one of the most complex aromatic profiles, where the vibrant fruits are gracefully supported by the underlying layers of yeast and lees-driven sophistication.
//Palate
sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: appealingly-crisp
The wine’s palate mirrors the nose with a delightful interplay of ripe and underripe fruit flavors. Citrus notes dance alongside hints of green fruits, creating a vibrant and refreshing tasting experience. The wine’s crisp acidity creates a lively mouthfeel, while a touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and complexity. Subtle yeasty hints linger in the background, hinting at the wine’s secondary fermentation, thus adding a touch of richness. The finish is appealingly crisp, with a surprising velvety texture that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 4 or 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary
All in all, this sparkling wine offers a delightful and complex aromatic profile and a palate that mirrors the nose, delivering a vibrant and refreshing tasting experience with a surprising velvety texture. Crisp acidity keeps the wine lively, while a touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and complexity. The finish is crisp and appealing, leaving a refreshingly lean impression. Overall, this is a well-structured and complex sparkling wine that embodies elegance, and while still youthful, it is showing promise for further development and refinement. It stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of the winemaker, resembling those famous Champagne wines in its finesse and allure.
//Scoring
PURCARI | Grande Cuvée de Purcari | Extra Brut | Vintage 2018
variety: chardonnay | pinot blanc | pinot noir
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 94.0
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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: Considering the wine’s well-structured palate and the vibrant citrus flavors, with that touch of yeasty richness, we believe it would be pair lovely with seafood appetizers, like for example oysters on the half shell or a smoked salmon platter. The wine’s crisp acidity will cut nicely through the briny character of the oysters, while the subtle yeasty notes of the wine will complement the smokiness of the fish. In the same key, the wine’s refreshingly lean character won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood, allowing both, the wine and dish to shine and express its delicateness. Enjoy!
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© 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.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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