TE WĀ WINES | Malbec | 2022
malbec

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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 review a single-varietal malbec wine from the revered Stefan Voda wine region of Moldova, that is famous for its beautiful vineyards and quality wine production – Malbec 2022 by Te Wā Wines. Known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, malbec wines have been adored for centuries, especially by the royal houses of England and Russia. With elegant notes of blueberry, plum, tobacco and hints of violets, modern malbec offers a great alternative to its higher priced siblings: merlot, cabernet sauvignon or syrah. Although the malbec variety originated in the famous Cahors region of France, Argentina proved that there’s more to malbec than just value, as it can offer an unmatched complexity and elegance, if produced in an expressive new-world style, with a nuanced and juicy, fruit-forward character.

What makes this wine truly special is that it has been vinified in the so called ‘low intervention‘ style, where the oenologist controls the winemaking process without leaving his fingerprint on the final wine, leaving the grapes and the place tell the story. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the aromatic profile, 50% of the wine has been aged for 24 months in used romanian oak barriques, whereas the other half has been kept separately in stainless steel tanks, with a couple of extra months of bottle ageing before it was deemed ready for market release.

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-pale purple color
clarity: hazy indigo shades at the rim

Visually, the wine presents a medium-pale purple color, with hazy indigo shades at the rim of the glass, which is a testament to its rich fruit concentration and robust structure.

intensity: rich & savory-herbal
fruit character: ripe & underripe

On the nose, this wine unveils aromatic notes of forest fruits, including blue plum and blueberry, mingling harmoniously with delicate vegetal hints and dried herbs, think of wormwood, cherry tree wood, grape talks and bay leaf – a captivating introduction to the wine that promises depth and complexity.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: crispy-tart

The palate is equally enticing, offering lush, vibrant flavors of blue fruits with hints of cryomaceration. The inherent fruitiness is beautifully balanced with the oak’s subtle influence, providing a well-rounded mouthfeel. The wine possesses a supple structure, that is complemented by lively acidity, making it a delightful sipper while also hinting at its encouraging potential.

maturity: developing | needs time | drink now or in the next 1-2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this wine is currently in excellent drinking condition. It presents luscious flavors while showcasing some aging potential, suggesting that with further bottle time, it will yield even greater depth and complexity, ideally developing over the next two years.

TE WĀ WINES | Malbec | 2022
variety: malbec
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 92.2

Consider pairing this wine with hearty dishes, particularly grilled meats or roasted vegetables, that echo the wine’s rich fruit profile and structure. A classic pairing could be a charcoal-grilled lamb, where the savory flavors will harmonize beautifully with the wine’s fruity richness.

‘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!