AGAPE | CabS | 2020
cabernet sauvignon | syrah

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Agape winery operates with a clear vision of promoting a deep connection between art and nature. The owner, skilled in the art of winemaking, has revitalized the oldest cellar in the Silagiu village – a historical site with winemaking traditions that dates back to the late 18th century. This dedication to craftsmanship and a holistic approach to viticulture promotes Agape as a new player in the romanian wine landscape.
Today we are going to review a quite captivating wine from Banat-Silagiu region, situated in the south-west of Romania – CabS 2020 by Agape Arta & Natura. This wine is a harmonious blend between cabernet sauvignon and syrah, where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, while syrah adds black fruit flavors and enhances the wine’s color depth. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the picturesque Banat-Silagiu appellation and is produced in a limited edition of only 2200 bottles. But what makes this wine special is that this is a so-called ‘raw wine‘, vinified in an ‘low intervention‘ style, where the winemaker controls the winemaking process without leaving his fingerprint on the final wine, leaving the grapes and the place to tell the full story. In order to preserve the natural characteristics of both grape varieties, the wine has been fermented in open-top tonneaux and then aged for 16 months in oak barrels, with some additional bottle ageing time before deemed ready to be released on the market.

The terroir of Banat region is particularly well-suited for vine growing, as the region’s soil composition retains essential nutrients and sustains diverse flora and fauna. The interplay of the local climate and soil paves the way for wines that reflect their unique geography, offering a distinct flavour profile compared to similar varietals from other regions. At the Agape winery, all the grapes are cultivated biodynamically, thus prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, eschewing herbicides in order to maintain a rich ecosystem.

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

In the glass, this wine presents a deep and opaque ruby color, with hazy ruby shades at the rim. Its rich hue signals the concentration of flavours, inviting one to delve deeper into its aromatic profile.

intensity: rich & extractive
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, the wine is rich and extractive, dominated by a ripe fruit character led by aromas of black cherry, dark plum, blackberry, and blackcurrant. Beneath these primary layers, earthy elements emerge, reminiscent of pencil lead, granite, and black soil dust, which add depth and sophistication to the wine’s aromatic profile. The background reveals subtle hints of spice with peppercorn and tonka seeds, accompanied by some oak influences of tobacco and toasted oakwood.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: fair
finish: medium- | aftertaste: slightly tart

On the palate, this wine displays an ample, firm, and grippy mouthfeel. The palate is marked by a ripe to underripe fruit character, reinforced by earthy and spicy undertones. The wine is dry, with exuberant acidity that provides a lively touch. Firm and grippy tannins add structure, although the wine presents a slightly tart aftertaste that hints at its youthful state and raw nature. While it may currently lack some complexity and elegance at the moment, its overall balance sets the foundation for future development.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2 to 3 years
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

Overall, this is a solid and promising wine blend that is still developing. With its firm structure and lively acidity, it is recommended to age for at least 2 to 3 more years to achieve a better harmony between its elements and gain even more complexity. The wine holds promises to evolve into a more harmonious expression of its terroir-driven and varietal characteristics.

AGAPE | CabS | 2020
variety: cabernet sauvignon | syrah
country: Romania
region: Banat-Silagiu
rating: 91.6

This wine would pair lovely with a beef steak glazed with a wine reduction sauce. The wine’s grippy tannins and vibrant acidity would complement the richness of the meat’s textures, thus elevating the tasting experience and creating a delightful balance of flavors.

The winery’s name “Agape Artă&Natură” reflects its dedication to harmonizing art and nature, aiming to bring people closer to the beauty of their surroundings through the artistry of winemaking. The winery was founded by Adalbert Marton, who revitalized the oldest cellar in the village of Silagiu. His philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention and a terroir-driven approach, allowing the distinctive qualities of each grape variety and the natural essence of the local terroir to shine in every bottle.

© 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!