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If—like half the Bottlenotes Team—you weren’t even sure Moldova was a country, you’re forgiven for not having Moldovan wines on the top of your shopping list. Even if you are familiar with the history of this tiny, Eastern European, ex-Soviet, republic nestled between Romania and Ukraine, you probably aren’t too well versed in their wines. If, however, you sample the wines from Vinaria Purcari, you may be inspired to think of Moldova in a different light.

Wine production in the Purcari region, then a part of Russia, started in 1827. In the mid to late19th century, wines from the area garnered a small following on the international stage, but soon winemaking in Purcari declined, and the wine production facilities built centuries ago fell into disuse and disrepair. Somehow, some of these original structures survived the World Wars, the rise and fall of the USSR, and Moldova’s declarations of sovereignty and independence during the early 1990's. In 2003, Vinaria Purcari purchased the prized growing areas of Purcari and began redevelopment, renovating and retrofitting many of the ancient facilities, including cellars built as early as 1827.

Today, the winery is in full swing, producing eight different wines from a range of varietals, including the flagship bottles, Negru de Purcari (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend) and Roşu de Purcari (Cabernet Sauvignon), all of which are layered, complex, well balanced, and European in style. Perhaps the USSR’s communist ethos carried over to Purcari, because these are great wines for any budget: Drinkers of the world, unite!

Do you have a favorite Eastern European wine? Help expand our palates by sharing below.