ANIMA | 3 Fete Negre | Editie Aniversara | 10 ani | Seria 009 | 2017 + 2019 + 2020
feteasca neagra
We will be evaluating wines in no particular order on no particular schedule. Just stay tuned and you will never miss our reviews. If the wine is tasted more than once, the rating table will be updated so as to reflect all the new impressions and observations.
Today we are going to review a legendary feteasca neagra wine from the famous Dealu Mare region of Romania – Anima 3 Fete Negre Editie Aniversara 10 ani Seria 009 by Domeniile Sahateni. Feteasca Neagra is an indigenous romanian grape variety that has been grown for hundreds of years on substantial plantings in the south of Moldova and eastern Muntenia, and today, it is the most famous red grape variety in Romania. Wines made from feteasca neagra grapes are usually expressive, complex and structured, wines that often are compared to merlot and cabernet franc, mostly due to their body, robust tannins and elegant textures. There is a rising demand for feteasca neagra wines on the regional as well as on the international markets and many experts consider this variety to be the visit card of romanian wines. This particular wine (Seria 009, which indicates that the wine is at its ninth edition) is a non-vintage wine – a blend of three different vintages of feteasca neagra grapes: the 2017 vintage (35% of the wine) was aged for 12 months in new romanian oak barrels, the 2019 vintage (42% of the wine) was aged in new and used french oak barriques for 18 and 24 months respectively, while the 2020 vintage (23% of the wine) was left unoaked in order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the feteasca neagra grapes. The wine is conceived, vinified and blended under the supervision of the renown oenologist, Aurelia Visinescu. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
_________________________________________________________________________
Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & oaky
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
The initial bouquet offers a captivating interplay of ripe, almost dehydrated, fruit character, where notes of black cherries, dark plums and hints of black mulberries dominate the foreground, supported by very nuanced oaky notes, primarily roasted oakwood, cloves and sweet tobacco. In the background, subtle earthy undertones emerge, adding a touch of savory complexity, with hints of black soil and pencil lead creating an intriguing and balanced aromatic profile.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: rough
While the fruit profile reveals a pleasant mix of ripe and dried black fruits, along with nuanced oaky and spicy notes, the palate experience falls short of expectations. The acidity, unfortunately, falls flat, failing to provide the expected vibrancy, while the tannins unveils as as rough and seedy, creating an astringent sensation on the mouthfeel. Additionally, a noticeable warmth from the alcohol adds unwanted heat, thus leading to an unbalanced and slightly harsh aftertaste. While the fruit character offers some redeeming qualities, the structural elements ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment of this wine.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs more time | age for 3 to 5 more years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
Despite offering an initially intriguing nose of ripe, almost dehydrated black fruits and pronounced oaky nuances, this wine ultimately disappoints on the palate. The fruit character, while exhibiting a ripe and dried character, is overshadowed by the coarseness of the tannins and a lack of balancing acidity. This results in a rough and angular mouthfeel that feels unpolished and somewhat austere. Furthermore, an overwhelming warmth from the alcohol dominates the finish, leaving a lingering, slightly harsh aftertaste. Overall, this is a wine where the varietal notes of the feteasca neagra grapes are overpowered by the dominant presence of oak, thus leading to a lack of harmony and finesse on the palate.
//Scoring
ANIMA | 3 Fete Negre | Editie Aniversara | 10 ani | Seria 009 | 2017 + 2019 + 2020
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Romania
region: Muntenia | Dealu Mare
rating: 93.2
_________________________________________________________________________
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: While the wine boasts an enticing flavour profile, its palate falls short due to its rough tannins, lack of acidity and prominent alcohol warmth, therefore, food pairings should focus on rich, flavorful dishes that can stand up to the wine’s bold and unpolished character. Consider pairing it with a hearty beef stew or braised short ribs. The slow-cooked nature of the dish will help mellow those seedy tannins in the wine, while the savory and fatty elements of the stew will complement the wine’s pronounced oak-derived flavours. Additionally, the richness of the stews or braises will help mask the alcohol warmth, thus resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable dining experience. Noroc!
_________________________________________________________________________
© 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.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a one-time donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics 