CRAMA DEMATEI | Migala | Cuvée 25 | 2019
feteasca neagra | merlot | cabernet sauvignon

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Today we are going to review a quite intriguing wine from the famous Dealu Mare region of Romania that has been released relatively recently on the market – Migala Cuvée 25 2019 by Crama DeMatei. This wine is a classic Dealu Mare blend, composed of the region’s three main grape varieties: feteasca neagra, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, where feteasca neagra forms the wine’s main body and enriches the flavor profile with black fruit notes, merlot is all about up-front richness and contributes to a more refined mid-palate, whereas cabernet sauvignon enhances the wine’s structure and adds more complexity to the final blend, thus forming a more dynamic finish. This wine is an anniversary edition, a tribute to the glorious 25 years since the winery was founded as ‘Domeniile Prince Matei‘, hence the wine’s name, Cuvée 25 – a wine producer that managed to put single-varietal merlot wines on both, the national and international radars. The wine we are reviewing today is vinified in a modern style, with moderate use of oak, where the emphasis is on varietal characteristics and the boldness of the Dealu Mare terroir. But enough with all that theory, 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
color: deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades

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

On the first nose, this wine unveils a delightful olfactory experience, showcasing a pronounced ripe fruit character that immediately captures the senses. The foreground is dominated by a medley of black fruits, with notes of black cherries, black plums and blackberries taking center stage. The aromatic journey is complemented by pronounced oaky undertones that impart a touch of sophistication to the overall bouquet. Notes of toasted oak, tobacco and cloves seamlessly weave into the fabric of the aroma, enhancing the wine’s overall complexity. As the olfactory exploration deepens, the background unfolds with a delightful yet subtle interplay of spice and earthy nuances.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a dynamic spectrum of flavors, starting with a ripe to dehydrated fruit character that unfolds into an interplay of black fruits, accompanied by distinct notes of oak and sweet spice, creating a layered of complexity and sophistication. The mouthfeel is marked by overwhelming acidity that creates a lively and refreshing palate, with seedy tannins that contribute to a textured and somewhat angular taste profile and a notable touch of alcoholic warmth that adds depth to the body, emphasizing the wine’s overall structure. All of these leads to a seedy-crisp aftertaste that lingers for quite a while, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

//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 crisp, seedy and expressive wine blend that currently lacks the desired harmony and finesse on the palate. The interplay of black fruits, oak and sweet spice, contributes to an engaging flavour profile, yet the palate presents itself as slightly angular. With its overwhelming acidity and seedy tannins, the mouthfeel is quite grippy, adding a tactile dimension to the overall tasting experience. Despite its youthfulness, this wine has good ageing potential, as we do believe that with a bit of bottle ageing it might achieve the desired balance and refinement. It is a wine that holds promise, suggesting that with time and patience, it may evolve into a more harmonious and well-integrated expression.

//Scoring
CRAMA DEMATEI | Migala | Cuvée 25 | 2019
variety: feteasca neagra | merlot | cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare
rating: 93.3
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 93.3 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 expressive and fruit-forward flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a tender filet mignon steak, served with pan-seared foie gras. The wine’s seedy-crisp character and its slightly angular mouthfeel will provide a refreshing contrast to the succulent and juicy texture of the meat. Additionally, the wine’s grippy tannins and overwhelming acidity, will create a complementary and dynamic interplay with the soft texture of the foie gras, enhancing the overall tasting experience. This pairing highlights the wine’s versatility and ability to elevate a classic dish, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a harmonious union of flavors and textures. Enjoy!

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