Terry-Lynn | Leaf n Grain Society

Chateau Purcari — Freedom Blend Tribute Edition “The heart of Georgia, the terroir of Moldova, the free spirit of the Ukraine.” 65% Saperavi, 20% Rara Neagra, 15% Bastardo Indigenous grape varieties from each nation: Saperavi— Georgia— late ripening, high yield, high altitude, hardy grape Bastardo (cross of Trousseau & Saperavi)- -Ukraine Rara Neagra— Moldova Aged for 12 months in French oak barrique Color- ruby Viscosity- high Nose- leather, ripe red berries, Acid- low medium Body- medium Tannin- soft, medium Flavors of overripe strawberries, blackberries, vanilla The History At the end of the 12th century, the region surrounding the Moldovan village of Purcari and the Agon Zograf monastery vineyards were already recognized as favorable land for viniculture. This land, being in the heart of the special terroir, made Moldova’s wine industry a major sector of Southern Europe’s economy. French settlers recognized similarities with Bordeaux in France in climate and soil. They then partnered with the monastery and began producing special vintages from Purcari in the 18th century. In 1827, Emperor of Russia Nicholas I issued a special decree that gave Purcari special status as the first specialized winery in Bessarabia. It took two decades for Purcari to win its first gold medal in the competition. The Paris World Expo saw Negru de Purcari win its first gold medal in the International Exhibition, surprising French wine experts with a dry wine with an intense ruby color that was NOT from Bordeaux. For a long time after this, Purcari wines were as popular as wines from Burgundy or Bordeaux, being served to European Royalty such as Emperor Nicholas II, King George V, and Queen Victoria of Great Britain. In 1950 (after World War II), Purcari entered a new era with the Moldovan winemakers restoring classic production techniques. Wineries were rebuilt, new…

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Wine Review: MAN Family Wines Bosstok Pinotage 2020 This is a lovely wine that is not commonly reviewed. The grape used has an interesting bit of history that makes it unique, as well as originating in a part of the world that is not often considered when shopping for wine. Pinotage is a specific grape and wine with origins in South Africa. A cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage) grapes, its origins lie in the gardens of scientist Abraham Perold, who was trying to solve the problem of Pinot Noir grapes struggling in the South African climate. ”Bosstok” refers to the untrellised bush-vine vineyards. These makeup more than half of the vineyards in the region. The bosstok Pinotage vineyards grow close to the ground and produce fewer more flavorful grapes. They are an extremely dark grape, which caused early usages to be stretched thin, producing less than stellar commercial wines. Within the last 15-20 years, producers banded together to reduce crop yields and increase the quality of the wines through careful winemaking techniques. MAN Family Wines Pinotage is sourced from older vineyards in the Western Cape. It is a beautifully rich, garnet-purple wine. When the light passes through it on a swirl, it dances through it, bringing a well-cut natural gemstone to mind. On the nose, the first notes are of subtle roses, cherries, and dark berries, with a hint of vanilla and subtle smoke underneath. The first impression on the palate is slightly juicy, with a relatively full body. It’s only slightly acidic, with a mild vanilla and nutmeg note, accented with a hint of minerality (like a well-balanced dessert pastry). This makes it a beautifully complex drink that is worth sitting down and taking time to savor, with each subsequent sip revealing the notes slightly differently as…

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