DOMENIUL BOGDAN | Magnaluna | Feteasca Neagra | 2020
feteasca neagra

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Today we are going to review a single-varietal feteasca neagra wine from the Murfatlar DOC of Dobrogea, Romania – Magnaluna Feteasca Neagra 2020 by Domeniul Bogdan. 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 often are compared to merlot and cabernet franc, mostly due to their body, robust tannins and elegant textures. There is a rising demand for feteasca neagra wines on the regional as well as on the international markets and many wine experts consider this variety to be the visit card of romanian wines. Made from grapes that were sourced from the Murfatlar vineyards in Dobrogea, situated between the Danube River and the Black Sea, whose warm maritime climate is tempered by the cool sea breezes, this is a biodynamic wine, made of grapes that were grown by applying the principles of ecologic 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. 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 ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & vegetal
fruit character: underripe & green

The first nose unfolds with a distinctive underripe and green fruit character, setting the stage for a unique and delicate sensory journey. The foreground introduces a delightful interplay of black fruits (black plum, bitter cherry, aronia berry), generously supported by pronounced vegetal undertones of asparagus, wormwood and green bell pepper, that add a rustic complexity to the overall aromatic profile. As the bouquet evolves, the background notes emerge, revealing a hint of spiciness that tantalizingly lingers, accompanied by subtle woody nuances that add depth without overshadowing the foreground aromas.

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

On the palate, this wine unfolds with a dynamic interplay of underripe and ripe notes of black fruits. The background is marked by a distinct marriage of spice and woody nuances, offering a rustic complexity that engages the senses. The palate is characterized by crisp acidity, supported by seedy tannins that provide a firm and grippy texture. However, a nuanced touch of alcoholic warmth tends to dominate the mouthfeel, creating an overwhelming sensation that slightly overshadow the wine’s delicate profile. The aftertaste is notably seedy, lingering with a pronounced astringency that showcases both, the wine’s seedy character and its robust nature, making it a bold choice for those who appreciate a wine with an untamed character and sharp structure.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | age for at least 3 or 4 more years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is an firm, grippy and seedy feteasca neagra wine with a nuanced vegetal. The untamed and wild nature of the wine is evident from the first nose, with a slightly angular and rough character on the palate. This is biodynamic wine that currently lacks the desired harmony and finesse on the palate. While the interplay of underripe and ripe fruits, accompanied by spicy and woody undertones, paints a vivid olfactory picture, the palate experience is marked by seedy tannins, an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth, and a pronounced seedy aftertaste. For those seeking a wild wine adventure, this wine here might hold promises that time could refine its sharp edges and bring about the harmonious balance.

//Scoring
DOMENIUL BOGDAN | Magnaluna | Feteasca Neagra | 2020
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Romania | Dobrogea
region: Murfatlar
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: Judging by the wine’s robust and angular profile, it calls for a pairing that can complement its untamed nature. Our recommendation is to pair this wine with a well-seasoned grilled lamb dish with a pronounced herbal-vegetal accent. All that angularity and firm characteristics of the wine will find harmony with the robust flavors of the lamb, while the seedy aftertaste will be complemented by the meat’s flavour richness. The spiciness and vegetal notes in the wine will resonate with the savory herbs and spices of the dish, creating a dynamic and memorable dining experience. This pairing allows the wine’s unique qualities to shine through, showcasing its wild and unpolished character alongside the hearty and flavorful notes of a perfectly grilled lamb. Cheers!

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