CRAMA ROTENBERG | Frank | Cabernet Franc | 2016
cabernet franc

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Today we are are going to review a single varietal cabernet franc wine from the famous Ceptura sub-region of Dealu Mare, Romania – Frank | Cabernet Franc 2016 by Crama Rotenberg. The ‘other cabernet’ grape, cabernet franc is the parent grape for the two famous international varieties: cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It is less intense and softer than cabernet sauvignon and it ripens much earlier, while it is also much more resistant to winter cold and frost than merlot. One thing that makes cabernet franc unique is that it can’t hide its nature – it has always been a bit more peppery, more savory and leaner than its pedigree children, due to the higher levels of pyrazines inherited by the variety. This wine is made out of cabernet franc grapes sourced from the Tarcul Cailor vineyard in Ceptura, Dealu Mare, and in order to soften the tannins and gain extra complexity, the wine has been aged for 24 months in oak barriques. 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: deep & opaque garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & oaky
fruit character: overripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine tantalizes the senses with its overripe and dehydrated fruit character. The foreground unveils a delightful blend of red and black fruits, accompanied by subtle oaky undertones. Sour cherry and black cherry dance on the palate, while black plum and blackberry add depth and richness. The essence of roasted oak and black tea lingers, intertwining with the sun-dried oakwood and cherry tree wood. As the flavors evolve, the background reveals woody and oaky notes, adorned with delicate hints of earthiness. Dried sour cherry and dried black plum lend a touch of sweetness, while nutmeg and cloves add a warm spiciness. Sweet tobacco, pencil lead, and charcoal add further complexity to the wine’s aromatic profile, with a whisper of dust settling gracefully.

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

On the palate, this wine showcases an intriguing combination of overripe and dehydrated character, featuring both red and black fruits with a nuanced oaky-woody presence. The mouthfeel is invigorating, with a crisp and overwhelming acidity that adds a lively vibrancy. The fine-grained tannins add structure, while a touch of well-integrated alcoholic warmth enhances the overall balance. The wine caresses the senses with a supple and round mouthfeel, creating a satisfying sensation. As each sip subsides, a crisp aftertaste lingers, inviting for yet another sip, in order to explore the wine’s nuances.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime & close to decline | drink now or within a year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this wine presents itself as a sensory mix of contrasting qualities. It feels round and plump, with a lean and crisp profile. The grippy tannins provide structure and a grippy texture on the mouthfeel, which builds a quite firm and robust body. However, the wine falls short of achieving harmony and elegance on the palate, mostly being overwhelming by the pronounced, oak-infused flavours. As a result, the wine lacks the varietal typicity of the cabernet franc grape variety, as its distinctive dusty character is obscured by the dominant influence of oak. Which is not bad, if you are a fan of the new-world styled red wines.

//Scoring
CRAMA ROTENBERG | Frank | Cabernet Franc | 2016
variety: cabernet franc
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare | Ceptura
rating: 93.2
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 93.2 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 characteristics, we believe it will pair wonderfully with a hearty dish that can complement its diverse characteristics. Its overripe and dehydrated fruit character, along with the oaky-woody notes, would harmonize with the flavors of a slow-roasted beef brisket, as the crisp acidity of the wine would cut through the richness of the meat, while the fine-grained tannins would provide a pleasant grip to enhance the overall dining experience. In the same key, the lean and grippy body of the wine would complement the tender texture of the brisket, creating a delightful interplay. To further enhance the pairing, add some roasted root vegetables and a touch of olive oil in order to add a bit of earthiness to match those subtle earthy hints in the wine. Cheers!

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