TOHANI | Arum | Alb Dulce | 1973 + 1985 + 2010
tamaioasa romaneasca

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Today we are going to review a truly unique wine, as it is not only a late harvest dessert wine, but a multi vintage blend from Romania’s famous Dealu Mare region – Arum Alb Dulce from Tohani. Late harvest wines are made from grapes that are left on the vine even after they’ve reached their peak ripeness, thus they become sweeter due to dehydration, as a result, sugar content increases and the juice becomes more concentrated. Technically, any grape variety can be used for the production of late harvest wines, yet there are some varieties that excel more than the others for this wine style. This particular wine is made of three different vintages (1973, 1985 and 2010) of dehydrated tamaioasa romaneasca grapes (practically raisins). Tamaioasa Romaneasca is a branch variety of the Muscat family. This grape variety is sensitive to frost, drought and excess moisture, it is also easy susceptible to powdery mildew and very sensitive to blight and botrytis. After the final blend was assembled, a small amount (10%) of botrytis-affected wine has been added (noble rot is a fungus that is also known as botrytis cinerea) in order to increase the complexity of the final wine. Noble Rot is the fungus that shrivels and dehydrate the wine grapes, thus concentrating acids and sugars, which in turn intensifies the sweetness level of the wine and adds flavor complexity, due to higher levels of phenylacetaldehyde (a special aroma compound found mostly in botrytis affected berries), creating some of the most delicious sweet wines of the world. But enough theory, that said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: deep amber color
clarity: bright golden hues

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & honeyed
fruit character: dehydrated

On the first nose, the wine displays a dehydrated fruit character, seamlessly weaving together nuances of dried sweet fruits and stone fruits. The foreground is dominated by a delightful mélange of dried apricots, dehydrated peaches and dried figs, creating an intricate tapestry of flavors. As the aromatic journey deepens, a subtle interplay of honeyed tones emerges, adding a luscious sweetness to the overall bouquet. The background reveals intriguing notes of old and slightly rotten oakwood, contributing a rustic charm to the sensory experience. Subtle hints of oxidation gracefully linger, providing a hint of wine’s age.

//Palate
sweetness: sweet | acidity: high | alcohol: medium | tannin: none | balance: fine
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp

On the palate, the wine reveals a mesmerizing spectrum of flavors that captivate the senses. Dehydrated and dried fruits take center stage, while a touch of honey and fruit jam add to the wine’s already complex flavour profile. The palate elevated by a bright and exuberant acidity, that imparts a refreshing crispness on the mouthfeel. A subtle touch of alcoholic warmth adds a layer of depth, enriching the wine’s overall character without overshadowing the fruit-driven essence. The finish is remarkably crisp, leaving a revitalizing aftertaste that lingers pleasantly. This dessert wine strikes a harmonious balance between the concentrated sweetness of dehydrated fruits, the comforting notes of honey and fruit jam, and the invigorating brightness of its acidity, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a well-rounded and luscious tasting experience.

//Verdict
maturity: past its prime & on the decline | drink today
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this wine stands out with its amazing freshness and a refreshingly crisp character, that makes it truly invigorating. The palate is both round and lean, offering a lusciously sweet and smooth experience that delights the senses. Exhibiting a perfect balance, this wine transcends the ordinary, evolving into a very lush and well-balanced dessert wine with amazing longevity. Its vibrant and explosive character, combined with a light and zesty nature, culminates with a memorable wine tasting experience. Crafted with finesse and precision, this wine is an authentic choice for those wine enthusiasts who appreciate the true artistry of winemaking.

//Scoring
TOHANI | Arum | Alb Dulce | 1973 + 1985 + 2010
variety: tamaioasa romaneasca
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare
rating: 94.7
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This is definitely a great wine of Romania and with a total of 94.7 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 sweet and smooth profile, as well as its amazing freshness and invigorating nature, we would recommend pairing it with a delectable fruit tart. The wine’s lusciously sweet character will harmonize beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fruits in the tart, while the wine’s freshness and bright acidity, will cut through the richness of the pastry, providing a refreshing contrast and ensuring a well-balanced pairing. In the same key, the round and lush palate of the wine, will complement the smooth texture of the tart, creating a delightful synergy of flavors. Enjoy!

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