DOMENIILE FRANCO-ROMANE | Arrogance | 2019 & 2022
feteasca neagra | merlot

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Today we are going to review a quite intriguing wine blend from the famous Dealu Mare region of Romania – Arrogance 2019 & 2022 by Domeniile Franco-Române. This wine is a blend of only two grape varieties, feteasca neagra (75%) and merlot (25%), but what makes this wine really interesting is that it’s a multi-vintage wine, where feteasca neagra comes from the 2018 vintage and forms the wine’s main body and enriches the flavor profile with black fruit notes, while merlot comes from the 2019 vintage and is all about up-front richness, thus contributing to a more refined mid-palate and a more dynamic finish. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the feteasca neagra grapes and to add extra complexity to the final blend, only the merlot grape variety has been aged in oak barriques for 36 months. 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: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy indigo shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich | savory-fruity
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, this wine reveals a ripe fruit character that immediately draws attention. The foreground showcases a seamless blend of ripe black fruits and forest fruits, predominantly dark cherries, blue plums and blueberries, adorned with savory undertones reminiscent of black olives, veal and iron. As the aroma evolves, the background introduces earthy and leathery tones, with notes of clay, loam, soil dust and nuanced hints of new leather. The integration of these earthy nuances creates a genuine connection to the vineyard’s terroir. Subtle hints of oak contribute to the wine’s complexity without overshadowing its varietal characteristics, while elegant and appealing notes of violets, tobacco and cloves adds a layer of extra complexity to the wine’s aromatic profile.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a captivating ripe character, prominently showcasing notes of blue and black fruits, complemented by a touch of leather and tobacco. The wine’s medium-plus body carries a seedy and expressive accent, contributing to the wine’s overall depth and character. The mouthfeel is characterized by crisp acidity that enlivens the taste buds, supported by ripe tannins that provide a velvety texture and quite a noticeable touch of alcoholic warmth that adds structure and enhances the wine’s body and structure. The aftertaste is crisp and seedy, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs more time | drink now or in 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is an ample and well-structured wine with a nuanced, fruity-savory profile and a pleasantly seedy accent. The wine’s medium-plus body and subtle earthy undertones adds to its allure, creating a well-structured and satisfying experience on the palate. Despite its charm, there is a sense of untapped potential, that promises further refinement with some additional time. This wine makes a commendable choice for those enthusiasts who appreciate a wines with an arrogant nature, that promises to evolve in terms of complexity and provide a satisfying tasting experience.

//Scoring
DOMENIILE FRANCO-ROMANE | Arrogance | 2019 & 2022
variety: feteasca neagra | merlot
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare | Sahateni
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 expressive and nuanced flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a grilled Black Angus steak, seasoned with a touch of cracked peppercorn and sea salt. The wine’s ripe fruit character, along with its pleasantly, bitter-seedy profile, will complement the robust flavors of the steak, enhancing its wild nature, while the savory and leathery undertones in the wine, will harmonize with the charred exterior of the meat, adding extra complexity. In the same key, the wine’s crisp acidity and ripe tannins, will cut through the steak’s marbled texture, providing a refreshing contrast. This pairing will highlight the wine’s rustic nature and deliver harmony between the wine and the dish. 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.