Purcari Winery|s successes - partnership with Masterchef and medals from Bordeaux

Purcari Winery|s successes - partnership with Masterchef and medals from Bordeaux

• 28.06.2013

There are things and phenomena that became the business card of a separate epoch, place or an entire country. There are names that don’t need to prove anything, because the trail of their glorious history is so long and impressive, that it’s unlikely that someone will be able to remove them from the pedestal. The uniqueness of the Purcari brand lies in its ability to represent a whole country, not being restricted by a time frame. Purcari is our beautiful past, worthy present and undoubtedly an inspiring future.

It is enough to pronounce the names - Roşu de Purcari, Negru de Purcari - and they, like magic codes will open the doors to a small, but generous land called Moldova. History shows that, among the famous people who purchased Purcari wines for their private collection was the Queen of England herself. We can only guess whether there are some bottles still left in the Buckingham Palace’s cellars.

However, after the revival of the Purcari wines’ production in 2003, they continue their triumphant march, conquering the most pretentious jury of various international competitions. Just this year, that didn’t reach its half yet, Purcari Winery was awarded 21 medals – a truly inspiring achievement.

A dizzying success was the famous world competition Challenge International du Vin that takes place in Bordeaux, France. It is organized 37 years in a row and roughly 5,000 samples from over 30 countries are tasted at each edition. Alb de Purcari 2010 was awarded the gold medal, followed by Purcari Icewine 2011, which won the silver medal. These medals are the most valuable distinctions of quality that are offered by the Bordeaux region.

In May, Purcari wines won another four medals at the most prestigious wine competition in the world- Decanter World Wine Awards, held in its tenth edition in the UK. A record-breaking number of 14362 samples were tasted! The silver medal went to Negru de Purcari Anniversary Edition 2009, the bronze medal - to Alb de Purcari 2010, Purcari Icewine 2011 and Rose de Purcari 2012.

Gold and silver was awarded to Rose de Purcari and Alb de Purcari and the international tasting competition ProdExpo in Moscow. The most valuable trophy – the Grand Prix - was yielded by Negru de Purcari Anniversary Edition 2009, making it the best red wine in Russia. Another big winner of the competition was Purcari Icewine, which soon after its launch succeeded to conquer connoisseurs’ hearts and supplemented Purcari’s collection with 2 new awards: silver from ProdExpo and gold from International Wine and Spirits Competition in Chisinau.

Purcari wines were awarded with six medals at the Southern Russia 2013 contest that took place during the Vinorus.Vinoteh wine exhibition. Of them - five gold medals went to Rose de Purcari 2012, Alb de Purcari 2010, Chardonnay de Purcari 2010, Sauvignon Blanc de Purcari 2010 and Icewine de Purcari 2011 and Negru de Purcari 2009 was awarded a silver medal. The jury consisted of internationally renowned experts such as Steven Spurrier (UK), Brett Crittenden (Australia), Lisa Shara Hall (USA), John Salvi (UK).

And most recently, in late May, four more medals were won by Purcari wines at the International Wine Contest in Bucharest: gold for Purcari Icewine 2011 and silver for Negru de Purcari 2009, Rose de Purcari 2012 and Rara Neagra de Purcari 2011.

All of this is the continuation of the tradition that started 185 years ago when Purcari Winery started its glorious ascension. Purcari Winery, the oldest in the Republic of Moldova, was founded in 1827. Just 20 years later, during an agricultural fair in Bessarabia, Negru de Purcari experienced its first triumph, being awarded its first gold medal. This hitherto unfamiliar wine literally struck the experts with its complex bouquet and full-bodied taste.

In 1878, Purcari winemakers brought their creation to the Paris World Exhibition. At the closed-doors tasting, the majority of the jury gave preference to a dry, densely-colored red wine – they were sure it was a new variety of Bordeaux wine. They were surprised to learn that the liquor came from a tiny, unknown village called Purcari. Negru de Purcari earned the highest form of recognition on the international arena - a Gold Medal from France.

The former glory of Purcari wines didn’t dissipate over time, but continues to grow not only due to the spectacular results at various international competitions, but also because of the loyalty of its consumers. One proof of this is the "Brand of the Year" title (in imported still wine category) awarded by the Ukrainian consumers to Negru de Purcari wine. The rating was conducted by the Ukrainian specialized magazine "Акциз" (Excise) at the beginning of 2013. At home, Purcari’s successes did not remain unnoticed: on the eve of the "National Wine Day 2012", the Government of the Republic of Moldova awarded the winery with the Grand Prix for production of top quality wines, which promote the image of the country abroad. This is the second Grand Prix awarded to Purcari Winery, the first one dating back to 2008.

Speaking of achievements in 2013, we have to mention another reason for national pride. Purcari wines were the official partner of the popular cooking show – MasterChef Romania. Negru de Purcari 2009 Anniversary Edition, Rosu de Purcari 2008, Alb de Purcari 2010, Rara Neagră de Purcari, Cabernet-Sauvignon de Purcari, Merlot de Purcari, Pinot Noir de Pucari, Rose de Purcari, Pinot Gris de Purcari, Chardonnay de Purcari, Sauvignon de Purcari and Purcari Icewine - 12 great wines that inspired the best chefs of Romania in their passionate fight for the title of Master Chef.

Purcari wines are exported to 18 countries of the world and remain one of the best gifts for connoisseurs of Moldovan wine, conquering amateur wine enthusiast and picky international professionals. But better yet, spend a weekend with your family and friends at the picturesque Purcari Premium Wine Resort – a classic Chateau, founded in 1827, and later reorganized into a luxury hotel. Just imagine - more than 20 thousand tourists visit annually Moldova with a single purpose in mind- to get to know the ancient traditions of winemaking.

The tour of Purcari vineyards doesn’t leave anyone indifferent – the fresh air, the sea breeze and the vines grown according to the strictest canons of French viticulture reveal the secret of our wines. The crown jewel of the Chateau is, of course, the wine cellar – the oldest in Moldova, remaining unchanged since 1827, that stores wines dating back to 1948. The cellar with neatly arranged bottles, covered with thin filaments of dust creates a special atmosphere that invites guests to discuss about the taste, properties and value of a truly noble wine.