AVINCIS | Cuvée Grandiflora | 2017
cabernet sauvignon | merlot | negru de dragasani

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Today we are going to review a red blend from the famous Dragasani region in Oltenia, southern Romania – Cuvée Grandiflora 2017 by Avincis. This wine is a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon (50%), merlot (30%) and negru de dragasani (20%), where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, merlot adds up-front richness and builds a more refined mid-palate, whereas negru de dragasani offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish and those subtle, indigenous notes of local terroir. The grapes for this wine were sourced from Vila Dobrusa vineyards, situated in the relatively warm Dragasani DOC, on the right bank of the Olt river (the largest tributary of the Danube river in Romania). In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, 50% of the wine has been aged for 16 months in new, french oak barrels, while the other part was kept unoaked, in order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the three grape varieties. The name of the wine is a reference to the “La Grandiflora” novel written by Gib Mihaescu, in which all the action and drama take place in the town of Dragasani, the birthplace of this wine. 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 ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & expressive
fruit character: overripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine unveils an intriguing olfactory symphony. The foreground showcases a harmonious blend of ripe black fruits, primarily black cherries, dark plums and blackcurrants, seamlessly intertwining with nuanced hints of dehydrated fruits, adding a layer of complexity to the wine’s aromatic profile. As the bouquet evolves, sweet spice emerge in the background, dancing elegantly alongside subtle, but elegant oaky undertones of cloves, nutmeg and sweet tobacco, with a touch of toasted oakwood that enhances the wine’s sophistication without overshadowing the vibrant fruit expressions.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a captivating dance of ripe and dehydrated fruits, showcasing an appealing blend of black fruits, sweet spice and oak-derived notes. The mouthfeel is expressive and rich, with a lively interplay of bright acidity that invigorates the taste buds, grippy tannins that provide a textured feel and a quite nuanced touch of alcoholic warmth that adds depth and structure, contributing to the wine’s overall firmness. The crisp aftertaste lingers for a while, leaving a pleasant impression of freshness. The wine strikes a good balance between its expressive fruit-driven profile and the well-integrated oak influence, creating a palate that is both nuanced and rich.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is a rich, nuanced and well structured Bordeaux blend that displays some hints of genuine rustic delicacy however, it falls slightly short on varietal typicity and the coveted terroir notes that would be expected from such a wine, leaving room for improvement, especially in showcasing the distinct characteristics of its origin. The mouthfeel, while slightly angular, contributes to the wine’s well structured profile, forming a round and velvety texture on the palate, which coupled with the wine’s rich character, creates a captivating sensory journey. While additional bottle aging may enhance the wine’s potential, it is already enjoyable today, offering a nice blend defined by firmness, complexity and some subtle elegance.

//Scoring
AVINCIS | Cuvée Grandiflora | 2017
variety: cabernet sauvignon | merlot | negru de dragasani
country: Romania | Oltenia
region: Dragasani
rating: 93.6
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This is definitely a fine wine of Romania and, with a total of 93.6 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 complex and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a perfectly grilled filet mignon with mushroom-wine sauce. The wine’s richness and dehydrated black fruits flavors will seamlessly integrate with the tender and juicy texture of the filet mignon, enhancing the meat’s natural sweetness, while the subtle oaky and earthy undertones in the wine will beautifully complement the mushroom-infused wine sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that reach into the realm of culinary excellence. In the same key, the wine’s slightly angular mouthfeel will provide a delightful contrast to the velvety-soft texture of the filet mignon, while the wine’s bright acidity and crisp aftertaste will cut through the richness of the meat, thus creating balanced and harmonious dining experience. Enjoy!

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