DRADARA | Feteasca Neagra | 2019
feteasca neagra

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The Dradara winery has a deep-rooted heritage, drawing from the ancient traditions of romanian viticulture. Nestled in the picturesque Mocrea village within Arad county, the winery reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Today we are going to review a quite intriguing wine from the Miniș appellation, located in the west of Romania in the Crișana region – Feteasca Neagra 2019 by Dradara. This is a limited edition, single varietal feteasca neagra wine made from overripe and partially dehydrated grapes. With only 2,700 bottles produced, each one of them tells a story of the meticulous care taken from the vineyard to the bottle. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity on the aromatic plane, this wine has been aged for 20 months in oak barriques.

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.

The Crișana wine region, located in northwestern Romania along the border with Hungary, boasts a rich viticultural heritage influenced by its geographical position. The soil composition in Crisana is diverse, encompassing volcanic rocks rich in iron, sandstone mixed with marl, and fertile brown soils, each contributing to the complexity of the wines produced here, enabling versatile grape varieties like merlot or chardonnay to develop a broad spectrum of flavors. The temperate-continental climate, with extended summers and mild winters offer almost ideal conditions for grape growing, ensuring grapes achieve full ripeness while maintaining freshness.

The Mocrea area is characterized by its rich volcanic soil and a distinctive microclimate that fosters exceptional grape development. The region’s volcanic soil, enriched with iron and other trace elements, delivers essential nutrients to the vines, promoting their health and vibrancy. The area’s microclimate, marked by long, warm, and dry autumns, along with mild winters, supports the slow ripening of grapes, resulting in grapes that achieve an ideal balance between sugar and acidity.

color: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, this wine displays a medium-deep garnet color, revealing hazy garnet shades at the rim of the glass. The slightly cloudy hue suggests an unfiltered wine with an expressive aromatic plane.

intensity: rich & dusty
fruit character: dehydrated

The olfactory profile is rich and multifaceted, presenting earthy and dusty aromas intertwined with sweet, dehydrated fruit characters. The foreground is filled with notes of dried cranberries, black cherries, and plums. In the background, subtle hints of old leather, rustic earth, and a touch of sun-dried oak create a complex aromatic tapestry that entices the senses.

sweetness: off-dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: heady

On the palate, the wine feels firm and slightly heady, delivering an abundance of flavor. Its seedy texture and exuberant acidity provide dynamism, while the alcohol content lends warmth and richness. The complexity continues with notes of dried fruits, earth, and spice that culminate in a long, warm finish characterized by seedy tannins. The wine’s tasting profile reminds us of the depth typical associated with an Amarone-styled wine, rather than an indigenous feteasca neagra wine.

maturity: past its prime | drink now or within a year form now
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

Overall, this wine exhibits qualities that mostly speak of its vinification and the craftsmanship of the winemaker, rather then terroir or varietal characteristics. While the wine is definitely past its prime form with some hints of premature oxidation, it remains enjoyable today or within a year. For those seeking a complex wine that challenges traditional expressions of the feteasca neagra grape variety, this one is definitely worth exploring.

DRADARA | Feteasca Neagra | 2019
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Romania
region: Crisana | DOC Minis
rating: 93.5

Consider complementing this wine with grilled meats such as a marinated lamb chop or a richly layered vegetarian stew that features earthy mushrooms and spices. The wine’s robust structure and complex profile will harmonize beautifully with the dish, enhancing every bite while deepening the overall sensory experience with an explosion of flavours and textures.

With its intricate profile and strong sense of place, the Dradara Feteasca Neagra 2019 is a wine that invites exploration and enjoyment. Cheers!

Dradara was formed from the names of Dragoș, Daria, and Rareș, and encapsulates the essence of love (dragoste), gift (dar), and refinement (rafinament), reflecting the winery’s mission to honor their heritage.

© 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!