Purcari Viorica de Purcari

Purcari Viorica de Purcari is a dry white wine made from Moldova's indigenous Viorica grape, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned 97 points and a Best in Show award at the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards — a landmark achievement for Moldovan winemaking.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: IGP Stefan Voda, Moldova  |  Dry White Wine  |  Producer: Château Purcari (est. 1827)

Production & Heritage

Château Purcari was founded in 1827 in what is now Moldova's Stefan Voda region, making it one of the country's oldest and most celebrated wineries. The Viorica grape itself has a remarkable origin: introduced to Moldova in 1969, it was created by crossing two red varieties — Seibel and Aleatico — yet the result was a uniquely aromatic white grape. Gentle pressing and cold fermentation preserve the variety's naturally expressive floral and tropical character, yielding a wine that functions as a calling card for Moldovan viticulture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with lychee and lime blossom before moving into white flowers, camomile, and rose petal. Subtle hints of basil and acacia add an herbal complexity that distinguishes Viorica from more conventional aromatic whites.

Taste: The entry is round and ample, leading into a mid-palate driven by lemon, green apple, and apricot. Crisp acidity brings focus and lift, while fine muscatel-like notes weave through the core of citrus and tropical fruit. The mouthfeel carries surprising weight for a wine this fresh.

Finish: Medium-plus in length with a lingering spicy quality that sets it apart from straightforward fruit-driven whites. Floral undertones and a whisper of lemon sherbet persist well after the last sip.

How to Drink Viorica de Purcari

Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C to let the aromatic bouquet unfold gradually; a tulip-shaped glass concentrates the floral and tropical notes effectively. This wine also brings real personality to lighter cocktails and wine-based drinks:

• White Wine Spritzer — the natural spice and lychee character hold up against soda water and citrus garnish without losing complexity.
• Hugo Cocktail — Viorica's elderflower-adjacent florals mirror the cocktail's traditional elderflower syrup, creating a seamless pairing.
• Sangria Blanca — the tropical fruit and herbal aromatics add dimension to a white sangria with stone fruit and fresh mint.

Best For

• Introducing wine enthusiasts to indigenous Moldovan grape varieties
• Summer garden dinners where an aromatic white with structure is needed
• Gifting someone who already knows Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling and wants something genuinely different
• Pairing experiments with Southeast Asian or Middle Eastern cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Viorica de Purcari taste like? It delivers layered flavors of lychee, lemon, green apple, and apricot, anchored by crisp acidity and a distinctive spicy finish. The aromatic profile sits between a Muscat and a Gewürztraminer but with a drier, more structured palate.

How does Viorica de Purcari compare to Purcari's Viorica & Muscat Ottonel blend? The pure Viorica de Purcari is 100% indigenous Viorica grape, while the blended version incorporates 49% Muscat Ottonel, which softens the herbal character and amplifies the grapey sweetness. The single-varietal bottling showcases the grape's full range of floral and spice complexity without Muscat's smoothing influence.

Is Viorica de Purcari good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the combination of aromatic intensity, balanced acidity, and a lingering spicy finish makes it highly rewarding as a standalone pour, particularly well-chilled on a warm evening.

Where is Viorica de Purcari made? It is produced by Château Purcari, located in the IGP Stefan Voda wine region of southeastern Moldova. The estate sits near the Dniester River, where the continental climate and specific terroir support the full expression of indigenous varieties like Viorica.

What foods pair well with Viorica de Purcari? Thai green curry, where the wine's lychee and spice notes complement coconut and lemongrass; fresh goat cheese, whose tang plays against the floral aromatics; seared scallops, which match the wine's weight and citrus acidity; Vietnamese summer rolls with their herbaceous freshness; and mildly spiced Moroccan tagine, where the apricot notes in the wine echo the fruit in the dish.

What sizes does Viorica de Purcari come in? Viorica de Purcari is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Viorica de Purcari worth the price? It positions as a mid-range white wine that punches well above its tier in terms of critical recognition, particularly given the 97-point Decanter Best in Show result. For a Decanter-awarded aromatic white from an indigenous grape, the value proposition is strong relative to comparably scored wines from more established regions.

Why Viorica de Purcari?

Few wines carry the distinction of a 97-point Decanter Best in Show from a grape variety virtually unknown outside its home country. The Viorica grape's unusual parentage — a white variety born from two red parents — gives it an aromatic fingerprint that no Riesling, Muscat, or Gewürztraminer can replicate. Château Purcari's nearly two centuries of winemaking experience bring discipline to that wildness, resulting in a wine that is intensely fragrant yet dry and structured. For anyone seeking a genuinely original aromatic white with serious critical credentials, this remains one of Eastern Europe's most compelling bottles.