EQUINOX | Feteasca Neagra | 2021
feteasca neagra

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Today we are going to review a single-varietal feteasca neagra wine from the famous Stefan Voda region of Moldova – Feteasca Neagra 2019 by Equinox. 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. In order to soften the tannins and gain extra complexity, this wine has been aged for 11 months in oak barrels. 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: pale ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades

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

On the first nose, this wine displays a dual personality, showcasing a ripe and overripe fruit character. The foreground delivers a dance of ripe black fruits (black plum, bitter cherry and blackberry), with nuanced hints of oak, which adds an additional layer of complexity, offering notes of cloves and a gentle touch of toasted wood. In the background, overripe red fruits emerge, lending a luscious sweetness to the wine’s aromatics, with a spicy veil that weaves its way through the bouquet, leaving traces of anise and a whisper of nutmeg.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a dynamic tapestry of ripe and vibrant fruits. The foreground unfolds with a burst of red fruits, followed by a spicy background, that is complemented by well-integrated oak. The mouthfeel is characterized by overwhelming acidity, that enlivens the taste buds, accompanied by ripe and grippy tannins, that lend structure and depth to the wine’s profile. The finish is marked by a crisp aftertaste that lingers, inviting for yet another sip.

//Verdict
maturity: youthful | drink in the next 2 or 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is a wine that presents itself as slightly off-balanced, with a dominant acidity that overshadows the potential harmony and finesse on the palate. The richness of the wine is evident, accompanied by grippy, yet angular tannins, that contribute to its structure. However, the pronounced influence of oak tends to overpower the varietal typicity of the feteasca neagra grapes, detracting from the wine’s overall balance. Despite its robust nature and potential for aging, the current state of this wine suggests a need for refinement to achieve a more harmonious integration of its elements. It falls short of delivering a truly cohesive and varietally representative experience, making it a wine that may benefit from further development to unlock its full potential and showcase the true essence of its origin.

//Scoring
EQUINOX | Feteasca Neagra | 2021
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 92.0
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and, with a total of 92.0 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 slightly off-balanced nature, with its dominant acidity, grippy tannins, and angular structure, we would recommend to pair it with a hearty dish that can stand up to the wine’s robust personality. A slow-cooked lamb stew, infused with aromatic spices and a touch of smokiness, would be an ideal match. The rich, gamey flavors of the lamb will complement the wine’s boldness, while the slow cooking process will soften the tannins and help integrate the oak influence. The overwhelming acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the lamb, providing a refreshing contrast. This pairing allows both the wine and the dish to shine, offering a satisfying and robust gastronomic experience. 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.