Rară Neagră, an ancient red grape variety with a rich history, thrives in Moldova's southeastern wine regions.
Known for producing elegant and balanced wines, Rară Neagră, or "black rare," has captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries.
Below, we explore the top three Rară Neagră (100%) wines from Moldova that exemplify the unique qualities of this noble grape.
These exceptional vintages were carefully chosen for their remarkable qualities and accolades. Each wine represents the epitome of winemaking craftsmanship, displaying a harmonious balance of flavors and a complexity that delights the senses. Their recognition underscores their status as top-tier selections that capture the essence of the region's terroir and dedication to producing exceptional wines.
Wine Tasting
- Chateau Purcari, Nocturne Rară Neagră de Purcari (Stefan-Voda PGI): Aged for 6 months in French oak barrique, the wine aims to epitomize elegance and complexity. The wine’s nose is marked by an initially captivating bouquet of red fruits such as sour cherry and juicy currant. The black plum notes add complexity, while the oak aging introduces a spicy element. On the palate, Nocturne Rară Neagră offers a satin-like texture, but this smoothness quickly gives way to an unexpected sharpness. The sour cherry and currant flavors dominate initially but fail to develop further, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. The tannins are medium and fine, ensuring a refined and elegant mouthfeel until the finish.
- Gitana Winery, Rezerva Rara Neagra (Valul-lui-Traian PGI): The wine greets you with a vibrant and enticing bouquet dominated by red berries. Hints of fresh strawberry add a sweet and delicate touch, while underlying citrus notes introduce a refreshing and zesty element to the overall aroma. On the palate, the wine delivers an intense and complex flavor profile. The initial taste is rich and robust, reflecting the depth of the red berry aromas. The influence of malolactic fermentation in wood introduces lactic notes, which contribute a creamy, smooth texture to the wine, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying aftertaste.
- Crama Mircesti, Rară Neagră 2021 (Centru PGI): A Gold Award winner at the Wine of Moldova Contest 2022, is a superb example of the region’s winemaking excellence. On the nose, this wine offers a rich and complex bouquet. The initial aromas of dried fruits set a warm and inviting tone, followed by the deep, luscious scent of plum. Sour cherry adds a bright and tangy element, while subtle hints of vanilla and tobacco round out the aromatic profile. Upon tasting, the wine reveals a medium-to-full-bodied profile that is both robust and well-balanced. The initial sip highlights its mineral and alcohol balance, providing a solid structure and a smooth drinking experience. The medium-to-high tannins are well-integrated, offering a firm but refined grip that adds to the wine’s overall complexity.
Wine Pairing
Wines obtained from Rară Neagră are of ruby color, velvety and full body, with fine tannins, dominant aromas of rose hip flower, red currant, wild blackberry but also with notes of dark chocolate and dried plums. Taste of Rară Neagră wine is deep and rich, with a long aftertaste, which pairs greatly with roasted and baked meat (duck dishes, pork steaks, veal schnitzel, or any grill), even with spicy sauce. Rară Neagră would fit good with pasta with chilies and black olives, or mushroom stuffed meat, and cheeses. The optimal serving temperature for it is between 12-14 °C, slightly cooler than most red wines.