CRAMA GIRBOIU | Tectonic | Feteasca Neagra Barrique | 2018
feteasca neagra

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Today we are going to review a single-varietal feteasca neagra wine from Cotesti vineyards in the Vrancea region of Romania – Tectonic Feteasca Neagra Barrique 2018 by Crama Gîrboiu. Feteasca Neagra is an indigenous romanian variety that has been grown for hundreds of years on substantial plantings in the south of Moldova and eastern Muntenia and today, this is the most famous red variety in Romania. Wines made from feteasca neagra grapes are usually fruit-forward, complex and structured, wines that quite often are compared to merlot and cabernet franc, mostly due to their body, fine tannins and elegant textures. There is a rising demand for feteasca neagra wines both, on the local market as well as on the international markets and many experts name this variety as the visit card of romanian wines. Crama Gîrboiu is a family winery that was founded in 2005 by Constantin Gîrboiu in the Cotesti DOC in Vrancea, right between Moldova and Muntenia, thus taking advantage of both bordering climates. This particular wine has been aged in french oak barriques, while the italian oenologist Giovanni Menotti consulted the vinification process. 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 deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim

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

On the first nose, this wine unfolds a delightful combination of dehydrated and jammy notes, creating a sensory blend of richness and intensity. In the foreground, black fruits take the lead, their bold presence complemented by nuanced oaky undertones that add depth and structure. As the aroma evolves, the background introduces a subtle dance of spiciness, providing a lively contrast to the fruit-forward profile. Delicate hints of earth round out the experience, contributing to a well-balanced ensemble.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a symphony of flavors that echo its olfactory complexity. The fruit character is a dynamic interplay of overripe and dehydrated notes, predominantly black fruits, creating a robust and layered flavour profile. Oak and spice contribute to the complexity, adding a subtle richness. The mouthfeel is characterized by a crisp acidity that enlivens the senses, while ripe tannins provide a structured foundation. An overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth offers a bold contrast to the wine’s balance. The aftertaste is seedy-crisp, leaving a lingering impression. In terms of body, the wine feels firm, rich and well-structured, embodying a complexity that invites contemplation.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within a year
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a wine with a rich, bold and heady personality. The balance struck between fruit and oak is commendable, providing a robust tasting experience. However, as a single varietal feteasca neagra, the wine lacks a bit of harmony and finesse on the palate, with the varietal characteristics overshadowed by those insistent oaky notes. Despite this, the wine is mixing depth with complexity, with a refined touch of ripe tannins on the palate. This is a wine that has reached its full potential, thus one that is ready to be enjoyed today, capable to provide a captivating tasting experience for any wine enthusiasts.

//Scoring
CRAMA GIRBOIU | Tectonic | Feteasca Neagra Barrique | 2018
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Romania | Moldova
region: Vrancea | Cotesti
rating: 94.1
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This is definitely a great wine of Romania and, with a total of 94.1 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 bold and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a grilled ribeye steak, seasoned with a blend of earthy spices, that would complement the wine’s olfactory richness and firm structure. The crispy sear on the steak would echo the seedy-crisp aftertaste of the wine, while the meat’s savory profile would harmonize with the wine’s subtle earthy undertones. This pairing will create a symphony of flavors that will allow the wine to express itself in the best possible way, providing a satisfying and indulgent experience for wine enthusiasts seeking a hearty culinary adventure. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.