PIVNITA SAVU | Duchess of Transylvania | Rosé | 2022
cabernet sauvignon

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Today we are going to review a rosé wine from the Aiud wine growing area in Romania, that we were eager to try for quite some time – Duchess of Transylvania Rosé 2022 by Pivnita Savu. This is a single-varietal cabernet sauvignon rosé wine, made with grapes sourced from the Ciumbrud area in Transilvania. Rosé itself is a bizarre wine category, as it isn’t exactly a red wine, nor is it a white wine – it is something in between. The secret to the pinkish hue of the rosé wine is found in the skins of the red grapes and more exactly in the anthocyanin pigments. When making a red wine, the skins spend the entire fermentation in contact with the juice, for rosé however the process is shortened, for example pinot noir usually spends around 4 to 6 hours on the skins, to produce its trademark pale salmon hue, while cabernet sauvignon needs only a few minutes to make that rich, deep-pink color. 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 coral red color
clarity: deep pastel red hues on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced | candy-rich
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine displays an explosive aromatic profile, marked by ripe fruits and candy that delight the senses. The forefront is a lively dance of flavors, showcasing an abundance of pear candy, barberries and raspberry, with a subtle touch of sweet cherries adding to the overall aromatic allure. In the background, a subtle tapestry of berry fruits weaves through, with notes of wolfberries, fruit jelly and wildberries contributing depth and complexity. This rosé wine strikes a perfect balance, offering a rich aromatic profile that promises a refreshing and enjoyable tasting experience.

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

On the palate this wine unfolds as a firm, ripe, and surprisingly bold for its category. The crisp acidity invigorates the taste buds, providing a lively sensation, seedy tannins contribute to robustness, enhancing the wine’s structure, while a powerful touch of alcoholic warmth adds a layer of complexity, creating a firm mouthfeel. The ripe fruit character dominates, showcasing a delightful blend of berry fruits and red fruits, complemented by nuanced candy notes. This rosé wine strikes in between boldness and elegance, making it a standout choice for those, seeking a bold and expressive rosé.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this is a quite firm and slightly angular rosé wine, with a ripe and seedy character on the palate that leans towards richness and a bit of boldness. With its explosive aromatic profile, this wine is a true delight, still, on the palate it lacks a bit of harmony and finesse. The wine’s overall appeal lies in its refreshing crispness and bold mouthfeel, making it an attractive option for those seeking a rich wine tasting experience and a rosé with genuine character. Despite its virtues, this rosé falls slightly short of achieving subtle elegance, leaving room for improvement in achieving a smoother integration of its nuanced elements.

//Scoring
PIVNITA SAVU | Duchess of Transylvania | Rosé | 2022
variety: cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania | Transilvania
region: Aiud
rating: 92.4
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 92.4 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 vibrant and explosive fruit character, coupled with its crisp acidity and firm mouthfeel, we would recommend to pair it with grilled shrimp and watermelon salad. The wine’s ripe and candy-like fruit notes will harmonize seamlessly with the sweetness and juiciness of the watermelon, creating a delightful interplay of flavors, while the crisp acidity in the wine serves as a refreshing counterpart to the grilled shrimp, enhancing the overall dining experience. Additionally, the bold and firm palate of the wine will complement the tender texture of the shrimp, resulting in a well-balanced pairing that encapsulates the essence of a summer gourmet feast. Enjoy!

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