Chardonnay de Purcari 2023 (Chateau Purcari)

Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve well chilled. This sensational Chardonnay from the south-eastern corner of Moldova recently won a platinum medal and a 97-point score at the Decanter World Wine Awards, putting Chateau Purcari back on the map once again for exceptional winemaking. This historic estate is in fact Moldova’s oldest winery with a foundation date of 1827 when Tsar Nicholas I passed a special decree making it the first official winery in what was then known as Bessarabia. Over the intervening years Purcari’s reputation soared in the 19th century before experiencing a decline over the last century as Moldova became known as a huge exporter of affordable everyday table wine destined for the Soviet Union. This century has seen Purcari’s star rise once again thanks to exceptional wines like this delicious Chardonnay which is crafted from estate fruit grown close to the Black Sea. To ensure the fruit arrives at the winery in optimum condition it is carefully harvested by hand and then vinified using typical local techniques. The Chardonnay is then matured in French oak barrels for 6 months, adding a creamy and smooth texture and rich buttery and vanilla notes to the ripe orchard fruit and zesty lemon flavours. The complex flavour profile makes it a great match for grilled fish, chicken dishes, and a variety of cheeses.