CRAMA ARAMIC | Rezerva | Feteasca Neagra | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
feteasca neagra | cabernet sauvignon

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Today we are going to review yet another wine that has been flying under the radar for quite some time – Rezerva Feteasca Neagra – Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Crama Aramic. This wine is also a blend of feteasca neagra and cabernet sauvignon, where feteasca neagra forms the wine’s main body and enriches the flavor profile with black fruit notes, whereas cabernet sauvignon enhances the wine’s structure and adds more complexity to the final blend, thus forming a more dynamic finish. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Silagiu vineyards located in the Banat region of Romania, while the wine itself, once both grape varieties were assembled into the final blend, has been aged in oak barriques for 14 months, in order to gain even more complexity and smoothen the tannin extract. 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 ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades

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

On the first nose, this wine reveals a captivating blend of ripe and overripe black fruits. The foreground is adorned with notes of black cherry, black plum and blackcurrant, wit a nuanced presence of oak-derived undertones, that seamlessly weave through the forefront, imparting notes of roasted oak, charcoal and tobacco, thus enhancing the overall aromatic richness. In the background, the wine unveils its terroir-driven personality with hints of black soil dust, pencil lead and oaktree bark, adding a layer of complexity to the overall aromatic profile.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a bold and gripping experience, showcasing a fusion between ripe and overripe black fruits, sweet spice and nuanced woody notes. The mouthfeel is marked by crisp acidity that enlivens the senses, complemented by grippy tannins that contribute to the wine’s firm and robust body, and an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth that adds muscles and structure, thus highlighting the wine’s bold personality. All of that leads to a bitter-seedy aftertaste, adding a touch of roughness on the mouthfeel. This is a wine that demands attention, with its bold fruit expression, sturdy tannins, and heady warmth, making it a compelling choice for those who are seeking a wine with intensity and bold character.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or 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 firm, bold and muscular wine blend, defined mostly by its grippy tannins and heady alcoholic warmth that both contribute to the wine’s slightly angular and rough nature. With its full-bodied and extracted character, the flavour profile is dominated by pronounced woody-oaky notes, thus creating a robust palate. While this wine exhibits strength and intensity, it currently lacks the harmony and finesse that a fine red blend would deliver. The overwhelming oak influence provides a woody backdrop that, at times, overshadows the ripe and overripe fruit character. Nonetheless, this wine shows promise and may benefit from additional aging to allow its rough edges to round up integrate more seamlessly. This wine might appeal the taste of wine enthusiasts seeking for a bold, grippy and muscular tasting experience.

//Scoring
CRAMA ARAMIC | Rezerva | Feteasca Neagra | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
variety: feteasca neagra | cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania | Banat
region: Recas | Silagiu
rating: 92.8
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 92.8 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 muscular nature, we would recommend to pair it with a hearty dish that can stand up to the wine’s firm structure and pronounced woody-oaky profile. A smoked ribeye steak with cilantro chimichurri would be an excellent match. The wine’s grippy tannins and slightly angular character will complement the meat’s bold flavors, creating a harmonious interplay between the wine and the savory, charred notes of the steak. In the same key, the seedy aftertaste and crisp acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the beef, providing a refreshing contrast. Consider serving the steak with roasted root vegetables in order to enhance the wine’s earthy undertones. This pairing aims to elevate the dining experience by embracing the wine’s bold personality. 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.