A Night Of Moldovan Elegance: Château Purcari Meets Tucker & Co.

An unforgettable evening at Tucker & Co. brought Moldova’s famed Chateau Purcari to the forefront, pairing centuries-old winemaking with modern Malaysian flavour in a tasting that proved Eastern Europe deserves a seat at the table.

Wine tastings come and go, but every now and then you stumble into one that feels less like an event and more like a moment. That was the mood at Tucker & Co., where Château Purcari took centre stage for an evening of sips, stories, and unexpectedly perfect pairings.

Tucked into the elegant wood, salmon, and gold interiors of Tucker & Co. at The Exchange TRX, the scene was set with dim lights, clinking glasses, and a crowd clearly ready to uncover something special. The star of the night? Moldova’s iconic Château Purcari, one of the world’s most awarded wineries, with a history dating back to 1827 and a legacy that includes gold medals at international exhibitions and even royal patronage. From the first pour, we weren’t easing in, but we were diving straight into craftsmanship.

The evening opened with the Cuvée de Purcari Fetească Albă, a classic method sparkling wine with fine bubbles and vibrant citrus notes that acted like a brilliant, palate‑cleansing prelude. It ushered us into the tasting with clarity and poise, setting a sophisticated tone right from the start.

Next came the whites: the Sauvignon Blanc de Purcari 2024, bright and zesty, alongside a prawn tartare that lifted the wine’s citrusy energy beautifully. Then the aromatic Viorica‑Muscat Ottonel 2024, floral and expressive, teamed with a creamy mini plăcintă, a Moldovan pastry filled with brie and sour cream, highlighting how local varietals can shine in unexpected ways.

Then came the reds, each with its own personality. The Pinot Noir de Purcari 2022 paired effortlessly with confit duck rillette; its bright red‑fruit acidity cut through rich, salty fat in a way that felt nothing short of alchemy. The Rară Neagră de Purcari 2023, made from Moldova’s indigenous grape, stood up to earthy mushroom gnocchi, showing there’s more region‑specific nuance than many might expect.

But the evening’s headliner was the legendary Negru de Purcari 2021, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi, and Rară Neagră that once bested Bordeaux in historic blind tastings. Big, structured and complex, it was paired with a charcoal grilled Argentinian striploin served on mamaliga, Moldova’s version of polenta. The wine softened against the perfect steak, its dark fruit notes echoing in the rich jus for a pairing that felt truly transcendent.

Dessert brought a delightful surprise: Purcari Ice Wine 2022, a rare ‘liquid gold’ with intense sweetness that was the perfect luxurious finale alongside a sea salt and raspberry chocolate mousse.

Throughout the evening, stories flowed as freely as the wine. Guests learned of Purcari’s centuries‑old cellars, its proud place among Eastern Europe’s elite producers, and the new bridges being built between Moldova and Malaysia through Vinul Wines and The Wine Academy.

Tucker & Co. matched the energy effortlessly. Their pairings weren’t just thoughtful; they were intuitive, playful, and rooted in a deep understanding of flavour. Nothing felt forced but intentional. If Château Purcari was the storyteller, Tucker & Co. was the interpreter, and together they delivered a narrative worth savouring long after the last pour.

And after a night like that, one thing’s clear: Eastern Europe has officially entered the wine conversation and it brought some very good wine with it.

Château Purcari