CRAMA VIISOARA | Luna | 2019
tamaioasa romaneasca | chardonnay | gewurztraminer

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Today we are going to review a late harvest dessert wine that comes from the I.G. Colinele Dobrogei vineyards, in the Dobrogea wine region, situated in the south of Romania – Luna 2019 by Crama Viisoara. 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 a blend of three grape varieties: tamaioasa romaneasca, chardonnay and gewurztraminer, where tamaioasa romaneasca forms the wine’s main aromatic profile, chardonnay adds more depth and structure, while gewurztraminer delivers those unmistakable notes of rose petals and deepens the wine’s colors. 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: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: bright yellow hues on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & floral
fruit character: overripe & jammy

On the first nose, the wine displays an alluring fruit character dominated by overripe and jammy notes. The forefront is adorned with a pronounced floral bouquet, evoking notes of blooming acacia, elderflower and lindenflower. The amalgamation of sweet fruits and fruit jam creates a rich and inviting background, with whispers of overripe peaches, apricots, and asian pear. The aromatic symphony is gracefully balanced, with the floral elements adding a touch of sophistication to the overall profile.

//Palate
sweetness: sweet | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: medium | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: velvety-sweet

On the palate, the wine reveals a captivating symphony of flavors. The overripe and jammy fruit character takes center stage, featuring a delightful medley of sweet fruits, with subtle floral hints and some notes of fruit jam. The acidity, although slightly flat, contributes to a velvety-smooth mouthfeel, allowing the rich and nuanced expressions to unfold gracefully. A notable touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth on the palate, creating a harmonious interplay between the lush fruitiness and the luscious sweetness. The aftertaste is both sweet and lingering, leaving a velvety-sweet impression on the mouthfeel.

//Verdict
maturity: on the rise | almost there | drink now or within a year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this is a challenging dessert wine, as it leans towards extreme sweetness, creating a slightly angular and unbalanced palate. Despite the initial promise of a vibrant and explosive character, with rich fruit vibrancy, the wine falls short of achieving any form of finesse or harmony. The excessive sweetness overshadows the richness of the fruit and the delicacy of those floral hints, leading to a lack of overall balance. Nonetheless, the acidity contributes to the overall imbalance, further diminishing the wine’s potential. While it exhibits varietal typicity, the lack of finesse and harmony on the palate might disappoint those seeking for a more refined and luscious wine tasting experience.

//Scoring
CRAMA VIISOARA | Luna | 2019
variety: tamaioasa romaneasca | chardonnay | gewurztraminer
country: Romania | Dobrogea
region: Colinele Dobrogei
rating: 92.2
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and with a total of 92.2 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: Based on the wine’s luscious sweetness and velvety-sweet aftertaste, consider pairing it with a selection of delicate and creamy pastries. Opt for classics, like vanilla custard eclairs, almond-filled croissants, or passion fruit tarts. The wine’s opulent sweetness will harmonize with the creamy textures of the pastries, creating a luscious and indulgent flavor profile. The pronounced floral hints in the wine will complement the subtle richness of the pastries, enhancing their overall elegance. The slightly astringent nature of the wine will provide a smooth transition between each bite, ensuring a delightful and cohesive pairing experience. This pairing promises a delightful journey, offering a satisfying evening treat. Cheers!

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