MAXIMARC | Cadarca | Editie Limitata | 2020
kadarka

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Today we are are going to review a single-varietal kadarka wine from the relatively cool Minis-Maderat region of Transylvania – Cadarca Editie Limitata 2020 by MaxiMarc Winery. Recent research suggests that an ancestor of kadarka, the papazkarasi variety, found in the Strandja region of Thrace (modern days Bulgaria), was taken westwards and planted around Lake Scutari, near the today’s Albania and Montenegro border, where it was crossed with a local variety skardarsko, creating kadarka. Kadarka is a high-yielding grape variety that can result in opulently-flabby wines, but when yields are restrained, kadarka can make full-bodied and tannic wines. Today, kadarka can also be found in southern Slovakia, western Romania (in Recas and Minis where it is known as cadarca), northern Serbia and in Bulgaria (where it is called gamza). This grape variety is quite susceptible to rot, thus, in some vintages, a small amount of botrytis-affected grapes can be added to the final wine in order to provide more richness and complexity. This particular wine underwent a long fermentation (that lasted 1 month) on ambient yeasts, followed by a period of extended, post-fermentation maceration, that was meant to extract as much flavour and color as possible from the skins of the grapes. In order to preserve the varietal typicity of the kadarka grapes, half of the wine has been matured in romanian oak barrels, while the other half has been aged in stainless steel tanks. But enough with all that theory, 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
colour: medium-pale | ruby color
clarity: hazy | pomegranate shades

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

On the first nose, this wine presents a ripe fruit character that unveils notes of brown olive, marl, loam and clay, intertwining with notes of cranberry, redcurrant and sour cherry. Adding to its allure, delicate hints of red plum and old leather contribute to a layer of complexity, while subtle whispers of iron and veal provide a savory touch. As the aromatic journey unfolds, the background reveals nuances of sun-dried oakwood and cherry tree sap, accompanied by notes of cloves, anise and bay leaf.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: fair
finish: medium- | aftertaste: bitter-hot

On the palate, this wine presents an angular and plump character that engages the senses with its intriguing interplay of flavors. The nuanced acidity adds vibrancy, while the firm and grippy tannins provide structure and depth to the mouthfeel. There’s an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth that contributes to the wine’s bold nature, leading to a bitter-hot and heady aftertaste, which concludes with a rough finale. The fruit character leans towards ripe red fruits, accompanied by hints of spice and herbs, creating a captivating taste profile. This wine embodies an assertive presence, showcasing an intriguing combination of angularity, plumpness, and roughness that make it a distinctive experience.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs time – drink now or within 2 years
verdict: nice | enjoyable to good wine

Overall, this wine presents an unpolished character, with an angular and rough nature that dominates its profile. The firm and sharp structure provides a quite seedy mouthfeel, that is accompanied by crisp acidity and astringent tannins. Being slightly off-balanced and a bit rough, this wine lacks the harmony and finesse, however, its unique characteristics and intriguing qualities make it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a wine that defies conventions and embraces its raw essence. With further refinement, aging, and careful cellaring, this wine has the potential to evolve and reveal its true potential, ultimately delivering a more harmonious and refined experience.

//Scoring
MAXIMARC | Cadarca | Editie Limitata | 2020
variety: kadarka
country: Romania
region: Transilvania | Minis-Maderat
rating: 90.9
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This is definitely a nice wine of Romania and, with a total of 90.9 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: Based on the wine’s robust and rough character, we would recommend pairing it with a flavorful, fat-rich dish like for example an oven-roasted crispy pork belly. The wine’s rough character and seedy profile will cut through the fat in the dish and will provide a delightful contrast to the rich and soft meat, while its crisp acidity will cleans the palate. The earthy undertones and subtle oak flavors of the wine will complement the rustic accents of the pork belly, creating a harmonious dining experience. Cheers!

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