VINARTE | Prince Mircea | Negru de Dragasani | 2021
negru de dragasani

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Today we are going to review a compelling, single-varietal negru de dragasani wine from the Mehedinti-Starmina region of Romania – Prince Mircea Negru de Dragasani 2021 by Vinarte. Negru de Dragasani is an indigenous romanian grape variety, obtained as a hybrid crossing between Negru Vartos and Saperavi varieties back in 1993. Negru de Dragasani has medium vigor and good fertility, resistant to frost and mildew and it produces deeply colored red wines with nuanced black fruits flavours. This wine is one of the few single varietal negru de dragasani wines available on the market and, in order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity, it has been aged in oak barrels for a period of 12 months.

Domaine Vinarte has always been synonym with the terroir of Romania, particularly that of the Mehedinti-Starmina region. The winery is known for its commitment to showcasing indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques while embracing modern practices that elevate quality. The Prince Mircea range is a tribute to Prince Mircea of Romania – a collection of single varietal wines that represent the main grape varieties and terroirs of Domaine Vinarte. This wine collection is named after Prince Mircea of Romania, the third son and youngest child of King Ferdinand of Romania and Marie of Edinburgh. He was also the great-grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland through his mother, Queen Maria of Romania.

//Terroir
Today’s wine originates from the fertile, hilly landscapes of Mehedinti-Starmina, where the climate is characterized by warm summers and relatively mild winters, which form almost ideal conditions for ripening grapes. The region is situated in the carpathian foothills, benefiting from the moderate continental climate influenced by the nearby Danube river. The landscape, marked by rolling hills and valley terraces, provides excellent drainage and ample sunlight, crucial for grape cultivation. The soils are characterized by brown soils on slopes alongside fertile alluvial soils found in valley areas. These soil compositions contribute richness and minerality to the negru de dragasani grapes, which thrives in these conditions, producing wines that exhibit depth and robustness.
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That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results below.

//Visual
color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine presents a deep and opaque ruby color, with hazy ruby shades at the rim, indicating a youthful vibrancy that invites further exploration.

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

On the first nose, the wine delivers a rich and slightly savory profile, revealing a harmonious complexity of aromas. The primary notes feature black fruits, including black plum and bitter cherry, intertwined with savory elements reminiscent of iron and veal. In the background, earthy tones of black soil and beetroot mingle with subtle oak undertones of toasted oakwood and peppercorn.

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

On the palate, the wine displays an angular and austere character, showcasing an intriguing interplay of underripe and ripe black fruits. Expect a blend of black fruits with savory and earthy undertones that are accompanied by exuberant acidity and a nuanced touch of alcoholic warmth. The texture is highlighted by seedy tannins that contribute to a firm mouthfeel. The wine culminates in a medium- finish, leaving behind a crisp and astringent aftertaste.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or within a year
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a wine that lacks elegance and finesse

Overall, this is a wine that exhibits a sharp and rough mouthfeel that is quite youthful in its current state. Unfortunately, the wine lacks the harmony and finesse that most wine lovers would seek, reducing its ageing potential. While it showcases some nice varietal typicity, it still lacks the complexity to elevate its standing as a wine worth cellaring. Enjoy this wine today, but do not expect any long-term development.

//Pairing
To complement this wine, consider pairing it with a hearty dish such as braised lamb shanks with earthy root vegetables or a savory mushroom risotto. The food’s savouriness will harmonize with the wine’s acidity and tannic structure, providing a well-rounded experience that accentuates the wine’s attributes.

//Scoring
VINARTE | Prince Mircea | Negru de Dragasani | 2021
variety: negru de dragasani
country: Romania | Oltenia
region: Mehedinti-Starmina
rating: 90.1
_________________________________________________________________________//Fun Facts
Domaine Vinarte‘s wines have been reviewed and highly appreciated by many famous wine critics, including the most famous of them all, the Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

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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.