PURCARI | Rara Neagra | 2022
rara neagra

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Today we are going to review a single varietal rara neagra wine from the famous Stefan Voda wine region of Moldova – Rara Neagra 2022 by Purcari. Rara Neagra, which is also known as babeasca neagra in Romania, is a moldavian indigenous grape variety that is famous for its ability to highlight different aspects of terroir. The wines made from rara neagra grapes are highly romantic, light in body, with velvety tannins and high natural acidity. Some wine even go as far and compare them to the wines made from pinot noir grapes, mostly in terms of structure and finesse. In order to add a layer of extra complexity, the wine has been aged between 6 and 12 months in french oak barriques. Another curiosity about this wine is that on the label there’s no mention of the wine region or IGP, which means that this is no longer an appellation wine, but a generic one, made of grapes sourced from all over the country. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-pale ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe & overripe

The wines initial nose offers a burst of ripe and overripe red fruits, with notes of cranberries and sour cherries, with a touch of richness that suggests some presence of dried fruits. Woven throughout these primary notes savory hints emerge, like aged leather, brown olive and cured meats. This savory intrigue adds complexity on the aromatic profile and keeps the fruit from feeling overly cloying. Whispers of dried herbs and a subtle vegetal character emerge in the background, with notes of wormwood, bay leaf and thyme, adding another layer of intrigue. Subtle earthy undertones, like freshly tilled soil, clay and loam can be detected as well, creating a quite balanced aromatic plane.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: medium- | aftertaste: crisp

The palate mirrors the nose, offering a wave of ripe red fruits, supported by earthy and savory notes, adding complexity but not overwhelming the fruit. The exuberant acidity cuts through the initial richness of the fruit, yet struggles to tame the noticeable alcoholic warmth that becomes prominent on the mouthfeel. The tannins feel a touch seedy, but not astringent. Despite the warmth, the aftertaste is crisp and finishes with a slightly green character. This wine tastes ample and plush, slightly on the green side.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, the overall impression that this wine creates is one of a plush, ample, and rich wine, with a rustic charm and a delicate mouthfeel. Despite showing nice varietal typicity, the wine currently lacks the elegance and finesse one might expect from a well-crafted rara neagra / babeasca neagra wine. That said, this one could be a good choice for those who enjoy a fruity-rich, easy-drinking red wine with a touch of rustic delicacy, yet those seeking a more complex tasting experience might be left wanting for more.

//Scoring
PURCARI | Rara Neagra | 2022
variety: rara neagra
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 92.7
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and, with a total of 92.7 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: Judging by the wine’s rich fruit character, complemented by savory and earthy notes that create that rustic charm, we believe that a flavorful moldavian dish would be a perfect match, like for example  tochitura de moldoveneasca. The richness of flavours created by the meat, egg and cheese would be beautifully complemented by the wine’s ample body and plush mouthfeel, while the savory flavours in the dish would echo the savory notes of the wine. In the same key, the acidity in the wine would cut through the fat content of the dish, keeping the palate fresh, while the slightly green character of the wine would pair nicely with the herbal notes in the food. This pairing would allow both, the wine and the dish to shine through, creating a harmonious and delightful tasting experience. 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.