MARCEA | Reserve | 413 | Feteasca Neagra | 2020
feteasca neagra

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Today we are going to review a quite intriguing wine from the Stefanesti region, located in the Arges county of Romania – Reserve 413 Feteasca Neagra 2020 by Marcea. 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. Today’s wine is made out of feteasca neagra grapes, sourced from the Stefanesti vineyards, planted on on clay-rich soils at an altitude of 413 meters above sea level (hence the wine name – #413). In order to gain more complexity and, at the same time, to preserve the varietal characteristics of the feteasca neagra grapes, the wine has been aged for a period between 6 and 12 months in romanian oak barriques. This wine beautifully encapsulates the unique terroir of its origin, showcasing the true potential of the feteasca neagra grape variety.

//Terroir
The Stefanesti wineregion benefits from a unique microclimate, where the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes help maintain acidity in the grapes. The grazing terrain, coupled with clay-rich soils, offers exceptional drainage and nutrient availability essential for vine growth. This terroir contributes to the distinct character of the feteasca neagra grapes, producing wines with deep structured and high level of alcohol. The wines of the Reserve 413 range are born in the clay-rich soils of the Marcea Hill in the Stefanesti DOC. The planted grape varieties thrives on south-facing slopes at an altitude of 413 meters above sea level. The vintage of 2020 was characterized by almost ideal grape growing conditions, producing healthy grapes that were rich in natural sugar, which promised depth and vibrancy.
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That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results below.

//Visual
color: deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby color, with hazy ruby shades at the rim. This visual characteristic indicates the richness of the fruit and the high-alcohol content.

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & savory-vibrant
fruit character: overripe & dehydrated

On the nose, the wine reveals a rich and savory-vibrant aromatic profile. Ripe and overripe fruits dominate the forefront, showcasing blackcurrant, dark cherry, and black plum, underscored by earthy notes of black soil, pencil lead, and granite. The olfactory tapestry is complemented by layer of toasted oakwood and hints of sweet tobacco, intertwined with subtle spicy accents of cloves, nutmeg, and anise.

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

On the palate, the wine feels bold and firm, offering an astringent mouthfeel, supported by flavors of ripe to overripe fruits that are complemented by oaky and earthy notes. The wine presents a bright and vivid acidity, harmonizing with a heady alcoholic warmth and grippy-astringent tannins, leading to a medium finish marked by a seedy-astringent aftertaste. While currently angular, the wine maintains good overall balance and promises further integration with time.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3-4 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

In its current state, it is crystal clear the the wine is still developing and therefore has a good aging potential. It can be enjoyed already today, but we do recommend to let it mature for an additional 3 to 4 years for optimal harmony among its structural elements. As it evolves, expect tertiary notes to enhance its overall complexity.

//Pairing
We believe that this wine would pair beautifully with rich, flavorful dishes. Roasted duck breast with a cherry sauce would complement the wine’s fruity characteristics, while the wine’s acidity would cut through the richness of the duck, creating a seamless flavor interplay.

//Scoring
MARCEA | Reserve | 413 | Feteasca Neagra | 2020
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Romania
region: Stefanesti
rating: 93.2
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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.