LA SAPATA | Babeasca Neagra | 2022
babeasca neagra

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Today we are also going to review another single varietal babeasca neagra wine, but this time one from the Sarica – Niculitel vineyards of Dobrogea wine region in Romania – Babeasca Neagra 2022 by La Sapata (Crama Delta Dunarii). Babeasca Neagra, which is also known as rara neagra in Moldova, is an indigenous grape variety that is famous for its ability to highlight different aspects of terroir. The wines made from babeasca/rara neagra grapes are highly romantic, light in body, with velvety tannins and high natural acidity. Some wine even go as far and compare them to the wines made from pinot noir grapes, mostly in terms of structure and finesse. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Sarica – Niculitel vineyards, situated between the Danube and the Black Sea, thus the region’s warm climate is tempered by the cool sea breezes. What makes this wine special is that it has been made of babeasca neagra grapes that were grown by applying the principles of ecologic and organic farming, without the use of synthetic chemicals like herbicides, pesticides or fungicides, but rather a range of natural preparations, that have the role of starters in harmonization of the biological processes in the soil, where they stimulate microbial life. The final wine has been bottled unfiltered in order to preserve all the varietal characteristics of the babeasca neagra grape variety. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-pale ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby-indigo shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe & overripe

The first impression of this wine is both, vibrant and delicate. There are notes of sour cherries, redcurrants and juicy cranberries, with hints of jammy sweetness that suggest the fruit might be leaning towards overripe. There’s also a pronounced savory intrigue that peek through with hints of brown olive, cherry tomatoes and aged leather. This savory character adds sophistication and complexity on the aromatic profile and keeps the fruit from feeling overly cloying. In the background a subtle vegetal character can be detected, adding another layer of intrigue, complemented by earthy undertones, like marl, clay and sand.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: crisp & seedy

The palate follows the nose, delivering a wave of ripe and slightly overripe red fruits and berry flavors, in the meantime the wine’s bright acidity cuts through the initial richness of the fruit, but struggles a bit to keep up with that highlighted alcoholic warmth that dominates the palate. The tannins feel a bit coarse with a seedy character, leaving a lingering astringent sensation on the finish. The vegetal notes that were felt on the nose become more prominent on the mouthfeel, adding another layer of complexity but also potentially clashing slightly with the rich fruit character.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs some time | drink now or in the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, in its current state, this wine feels a touch disjointed despite showcasing good varietal typicity with a focus on that savory-vegetal character. It feels a bit austere and slightly seedy, despite the rich flavour profile. The wine displays a slightly angular and bitter-green sensation on the mouthfeel. It might benefit from additional aging to allow all the elements to integrate further and soften some of the harsh edges. All in all, this wine might be highly appreciated by those who appreciate a rustic red wine, yet those wine enthusiasts seeking a more polished and balanced tasting experience might look elsewhere.

//Scoring
LA SAPATA | Babeasca Neagra | 2022
variety: babeasca neagra
country: Romania
region: Dobrogea | Sarica – Niculitel
rating: 92.5
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 92.5 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s emphasis on ripe and overripe fruit flavors with a touch of savory-vegetal character, it would be best suited for rich and flavorful dishes that can stand up to the wine’s richness. Smoked lamb shanks with barbeque sauce and polenta would be a fantastic pairing option. The richness of the lamb would complement the rich fruit character of the wine, while the smokiness of the barbecue sauce would echo the savory hints in the babeasca neagra grape variety. The creamy polenta would help temper the grippy tannins of the wine, while the wine’s acidity would cut through the richness of the dish. This pairing would allow the wine to shine through and highlight that much-desired rusticity, while the savory flavors of the lamb would complement the wine’s savory and earthy character. Enjoy!

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