The Purcari microregion stands out through its unparalleled soil composition: loamy areas with a very fine layer of black earth—or loamy black earth—with occasionally high carbon content. This microregion is situated on the same latitude as the famous wine region of Bordeaux.
The root of the vine bush pierces the carbon stratum (which is almost as hard as stone) to reach deep into the ground in search of moisture. Add mild sun, and you get conditions which are propitious for valuable, classical red varieties of grapes. These special natural conditions determine the unique aroma of Purcari wines.
The total active temperatures represent 3200-3300 °С, accompanied by moderate humidity. The landscape is a high, energetically rolling plane, situated next to the river Nistru. Ravines and river valleys cut deep through the landscape, forming gently sloping, sometimes very long hillsides. The altitude of the area is bracketed between 120 and 160 meters above sea level. The vineyards are situated on the western slope of the Nistru valley. The slopes generally face eastwards and south-eastwards. They are gentle and long, slanting at 5-10°, rarely rising up to 15°.
The warm sea winds soften the winter cold and summer heat.
The vines do not become overheated in daytime, and at night the soil beneath slowly releases heat. This determines a smooth ripening of the grapes, shielded from sharp temperature contrasts, which contributes to an enhanced harmony of the wine’s taste.
The particular relief of the area—gentle slopes descending down to the Nistru—creates optimal conditions for terraced vine cultivation. This relief allows the sun to shed its light over the vineyards for the entire duration of the day. By its soil and climate the Purcari microregion is uniquely favorable for the production of red wines. The loamy soil of the slanting Nistru banks in the area of Purcari contains a rare element, rubidium, which renders the red wines with intense ruby colours. This has allowed Purcari settlers since times immemorial to produce vivid, unparalleled wines.
What exactly determines the high quality of the Purcari grape varieties and wines? In short, it is a synergy of favourable natural conditions and centuries of tireless human labour.