TE WĀ WINES | Rara Neagra | 2022
rara neagra

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Today we are going to review a single varietal rara neagra wine from the famous Stefan Voda wine region of Moldova – Rara Neagra 2022 by Te Wā Wines. Rara Neagra, which is also known as babeasca neagra in Romania, is a moldavian indigenous grape variety that is famous for its ability to highlight different aspects of terroir. The wines made from rara neagra grapes are highly romantic, light in body, with velvety tannins and high natural acidity. Some wine even go as far and compare them to the wines made from pinot noir grapes, mostly in terms of structure and finesse. The grapes for this wine were sourced from a small plot of vines found near the Cioburciu village in the Stefan Voda region. What makes this wine truly special is that it has been vinified in the so called ‘low intervention‘ style, where the oenologist controls the winemaking process without leaving his fingerprint on the final wine, leaving the grapes and the place tell the story. Needless to mention that this wine has been produced in a very limited edition of only 2700 bottles, which makes it quite a rarity. 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: pale garnet color
clarity: hazy indigo shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & vegetal
fruit character: underripe

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

The palate mirrors the nose, with the emphasis firmly on savory and herbal character. The initial flavors are dominated by dried herbs like thyme and bay leaf, alongside nuanced earthy notes that echo the aromas of damp soil and cellar. Not fully ripe berry fruit flavors emerge briefly but struggle to find their way out of the glass. On the palate, the wine’s exuberant acidity cuts through the savory richness, yet wrestles with a pronounced heady touch of alcoholic warmth that becomes quite noticeable on the mouthfeel. The tannins leave a slightly green and somewhat coarse feeling on the tongue, thus forming a lingering astringency on the finish. This wine displays an unexpected opulence on the palate, creating a slightly angular and a bit rough sensation.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2 years
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

This rara neagra wine presents a somehow intriguing and even challenging profile. The nose is dominated by pronounced earthy and vegetal aromas, with shy hints of underripe berries. The palate follows suit, offering a core of savory flavors, while glimpses of berry fruits are struggling to emerge. Exuberant acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the tannins lend structure to the ample and surprisingly opulent body. However, a noticeable alcoholic warmth disrupts the balance and the overall impression is one of a wine that’s a touch disjointed at this stage. While this wine shows very good varietal typicity of the rara neagra grape variety, it currently lacks the harmony and finesse one might expect from a well-crafted example. That said, this wine is an interesting choice for adventurous wine enthusiasts who like to discover all the mysteries that a rustic wine style can offer, including its place of origin, the so called ‘terroir’.

//Scoring
TE WĀ WINES | Rara Neagra | 2022
variety: rara neagra
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 91.1
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This is definitely a nice wine of Moldova and, with a total of 91.1 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 nuanced earthy-vegetal character, it would be best suited for flavorful dishes that can stand up to the wine’s acidity and rusticity, like for example grilled lamb skewers with paprika and roasted vegetables. The richness of the lamb would be beautifully balanced by the wine’s acidity and slightly green tannins, while the smoky paprika would echo the nuanced earthy notes in the wine. In the same key, the roasted vegetables would complement the vegetal character of the wine, while the overall smokiness from the grill would tie in nicely with the wine’s rustic charm. This pairing would allow the wine’s savory character to shine through, complemented by the richness of the lamb and the smokiness from the frill, thus creating a harmonious interplay of flavors and textures. 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.