TE WĀ WINES | V(ia) | Feteasca Neagra | 2019
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. We hope you will enjoy it!

Te Wā Wines is a project developed by two passionate wine enthusiasts, dedicated to showcasing Moldova’s unique terroir through limited edition wines. With a philosophy centered on low intervention winemaking and an emphasis on the grape variety, the winery prides itself on crafting wines that allow the grape variety and soil to shine through. Their goal is to create a true representation of Moldova’s viticultural potential.
Today we are going to perform a trip into the past and re-evaluate (after we’ve already reviewed it in 2023) a wine that is rightly considered among the best wines of Moldova – V(ia) Feteasca Neagra 2019 by Te Wā Wines. 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.

The wine we are reviewing today is a single-varietal feteasca neagra wine from the famous Stefan Voda region, and in order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the feteasca neagra grapes, it has been handled with much care, with only moderate use of oak during vinification and, as a result, this wine is stylistically different from all the other feteasca neagra wines of Moldova, stylistically closer to a Crozes-Hermitage wine from southern France.

The Stefan Voda wine region is distinguished by its diverse landscapes and warm continental climate, which allows for optimal grape ripening, especially suited for red grape varieties. The soil is rich in minerality, comprising clay and loam, that provides excellent drainage and supports vital nutrients for the vine growing. This unique soil composition, combined with the region’s distinct microclimate, that balances an abundance of sun exposure with refreshing rainfall, tempered by the cool breezes from the Black Sea, contributes to the expressive and rich profile of the resulting wines.

color: medium-deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | ruby shades at the rim

In the glass, this wine exhibits a medium-deep ruby color, adorned with hazy ruby shades at the rim, indicative of the wine’s youth and richness. The clarity invites curious exploration, leading to a promise of flavor and complexity.

intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, the wine offers a rich and savory aromatic profile, revealing an enticing mixture of red and black fruits that include dark cherry, cranberry, blackberry, and black plum. Underlying these fruit notes are hints of savory elements such as brown olive and new leather, complemented by subtle oaky nuances of red pepper, cloves, and touches of tobacco and earthy undertones, providing a well-rounded and quite sophisticated aromatic profile.

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

On the palate, the wine feels plump, crisp, and voluptuous, offering a well structured body with quite appealing, fine-grained tannins. The acidity is balanced, contributing to the wine’s ability to linger on the finish, making it approachable yet profound. The layered tasting experience showcases a harmonious interplay between fruit and oak while maintaining an elegant profile, indicative of its varietal typicity. Complex flavors carry through to a persistent seedy finish, setting the stage for its potential aging, which promises to enhance its depth and complexity over the coming years.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this wine represents a remarkable expression of its homeland, demonstrating both quality and potential. The wine is currently in its development phase and quite close to its prime form, making it suitable for enjoyment today or within the next 2-3 years. With further maturation, this wine is expected to evolve beautifully, offering additional layers of complexity while maintaining its inherent rustic charm.

TE WĀ WINES | V(ia) | Feteasca Neagra | 2019
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 93.9

Consider serving this wine with rich dishes such as a grilled lamb with rosemary or a savory boeuf bourguignon. The wine’s acidity and structured tannins will complement the meat’s richness while enhancing the overall dining experience, creating a delightful harmony between food and wine.

‘Te Wā’ translates from Maori as ‘time will tell’ – a fitting name that embodies the commitment to patience and quality in winemaking. Moldova is home to a rich wine-making history and is recognized as one of the oldest wine regions in the world, with evidence of viniculture dating back over 4,000 years.

© 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. Cheers!