VIILE METAMORFOSIS | Via Marchizului | Feteasca Neagra | 2020
feteasca neagra
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Today we are going to review a single-varietal feteasca neagra wine from the famous Dealu Mare appellation of the Muntenia (Romania) – Via Marchizului Feteasca Neagra 2020 by Viile Metamorfosis. Feteasca Neagra is an indigenous romanian variety that has been grown for hundreds of years on substantial plantings in the south of Moldova and eastern Muntenia and today, this is the most famous red variety in Romania. Wines made from feteasca neagra grapes are usually fruit-forward, 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 wine experts consider this variety to be the visit card of romanian wines. This wine is part of the Via Marchizului range, which is a tribute to Marchese Piero Antinori, who together with Renzo Cotarella, the Managing Director of Antinori S.P.A., identified the Dealu Mare region as the area with the most potential in terms of climate and terroir for their new wine venture. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the feteasca neagra grapes and highlight those delicate, terroir-driven hints, the wine has been aged only in used, big oak barrels. 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 garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet hues on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe
The first nose is inviting and immediately captivating. A burst of ripe black fruit aromas takes center stage, reminiscent of dark cherries, casis and plums. These primary fruit notes are complemented by intriguing hints of spice, like peppercorns and a touch of nutmeg. In the background, a nuanced earthiness emerges, with notes of black soil dust, marl and clay. This earthiness adds a layer of extra complexity and keeps the fruit from feeling overly ripe.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: crisp
The palate mirrors the nose, offering a wave of ripe black fruit flavors that echo the aromas of blackberry and plum. Earthy and savory undertones emerge here as well, adding even more complexity that complements the fruit without overpowering it. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, but struggles to keep up with a prominent alcoholic warmth that dominates the palate. The tannins are ripe, yet feel a bit austere, leaving an astringent grip that lingers on the finish. Despite the alcoholic warmth, the aftertaste remains crisp and finishes relatively quickly. The overall mouthfeel is lacking harmony and roundness one might expect from a feteasca neagra wine.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs time | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
Overall, this wine presents an inviting nose with a burst of ripe black fruit aromas accented by intriguing spicy and savory nuances. The palate follows suit, delivering a wave of ripe black fruit flavors interwoven with savory earthiness. Despite ample fruit character, the wine feels a touch disjointed at this stage, as the prominent warmth and somewhat angular mouthfeel suggest a lack of harmony and finesse. This wine will definitely benefit from additional bottle aging to allow all its elements to integrate further and soften some of those rough edges.
//Scoring
VIILE METAMORFOSIS | Via Marchizului | Feteasca Neagra | 2020
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Romania
region: Muntenia | Dealu Mare
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: Due to the wine’s emphasis on ripe black fruits, crisp acidity and slightly astringent tannins, it would be best suited for rich and flavorful dishes with a touch of fat that can stand up to the wine’s acidity and insistent tannins. We believe that seared duck breast with a cherry demi-glace sauce would be a lovely option, as the richness of the duck would complement the ripe fruit character of the wine, while the sweetness of the cherry sauce would balance the wine’s tartness. In the same key, the earthy notes in the wine would echo the hearthy flavors of the duck, creating a harmonious interplay of flavors and textures. The acidity in the wine would help cut through the fat of the duck, and the slightly astringent tannins would cleanse the palate between bites. This pairing would allow the wine’s richness to shine through, while the sweetness of the sauce would temper the alcoholic warmth and the crisp the acidity. 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.
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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.
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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.
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