VIILE METAMORFOSIS | Rosé | 2023
merlot | cabernet sauvignon

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The story of Vitis Metamorfosis begins with a vision to craft exceptional wines that echo the unique terroir of Romania’s Dealu Mare region. Established by a passionate group that includes Giancorrado Ulrich, Fiorenzo Rista, and Marquis Piero Antinori in 2009, the winery aims to produce high-quality wines, with a dedication to tradition and modern techniques. This commitment is evident in the crafting of the Cantvs Primvs project, which translates as ‘the first song’, highlighting the artistic essence of their winemaking philosophy.
Today we are going to review a quite refreshing rosé wine from the famous Dealu Mare region of Romania – Rosé 2023 by Vitis Metamorfosis. This wine is a blend of two grape varieties: merlot (80%) and cabernet sauvignon (20%), where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, while merlot rounds up and smoothens the final blend. The grapes for this wine were harvested manually in the first half of September, then gently destemmed and pressed, with the free-run juice transferred directly into stainless steel tanks to begin fermentation. Fermentation took place under careful supervision and at a controlled temperature of 17°C, ensuring that the extracted aromas impart delicacy and finesse to the wine. The whole winemaking process were supervised by the famous italian oenologist – Fiorenzo Rista. 

Rosé itself is a bizarre wine category, as it isn’t exactly a red wine, nor is it a white wine – it is something in between. The secret to the pinkish hue of the rosé wine is found in the skins of the red grapes and more exactly in the anthocyanin pigments. When making a red wine, the skins spend the entire fermentation in contact with the juice, for rosé however the process is shortened, for example pinot noir usually spends around 4 to 6 hours on the skins, to produce its trademark pale salmon hue, while cabernet sauvignon needs only a few minutes to make that rich, deep-pink color.

Located in a hilly landscape, the Dealu Mare region’s varied altitudes and endless slopes foster excellent drainage and aeration necessary for vine health. The region benefits from a combination of geographical advantages that define its unique terroir. Its close proximity of the Carpathian Mountains moderates temperature extremes, allowing for a longer growing season. Its terroir is characterized by limestone-rich soils and a favorable microclimate defined by warm sunny days and cool nights. The elevation aids in preserving natural acidity while allowing the grapes to ripen fully. These natural elements combine to create wines that allows for the full expression of each grape variety with vibrant and complex aromas.
© Map credits: crameromania.ro

color: bright salmon color
clarity: pastel orange hues

In the glass, this rosé wine showcases a bright salmon color with inviting pastel orange hues at the rim. Its clarity and vibrancy are visually appealing, enticing drinkers to explore it further.

intensity: rich & fruity-expressive
fruit character: ripe

The aromatic profile of this rosé is rich and expressive, presenting an explosion of berry fruits in the foreground. The nose is filled with delightful notes of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and red currants, creating a fresh and fruity experience that invites a deeper exploration of the wine.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium- | balance: fair
finish: medium- | aftertaste: crispy-hot

On the palate, the wine delivers a crisp and rich experience, enveloped in a touch of alcoholic warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile. The mouthfeel is refreshing and mouth-watering, supported by lively acidity that balances the wine beautifully, ensuring it remains food-friendly. The wine exhibits a pleasing complexity, with a clean and elongated finish that beckons for another sip.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within a year
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

All in all, this is a delightful rosé wine that is currently drinking beautifully. While it embodies freshness and elegance, its solid structure suggests potential for further development over the next year or so in the bottle. Overall, it encapsulates the essence of a refreshing summer wine, perfect for various occasions.

VIILE METAMORFOSIS | Rosé | 2023
variety: merlot | cabernet sauvignon
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare
rating: 91.2

This versatile rosé wine pairs exceptionally well with light dishes, such as grilled salmon or tuna medallions, and complements salads featuring chicken or turkey. The wine’s crispness harmonizes with the rich flavors of the dish, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings.

The Vitis Metamorfosis winery was founded in 2009 by Giancorrado Ulrich, Fiorenzo Rista and Marquis Piero Antinori. After consulting with Renzo Cotarella, the Managing Director of Antinori S.P.A., the Dealu Mare area was identified as the region with the most potential in terms of climate and terroir, which was in line with the philosophy of the Antinori family to produce high quality wines in the premium and super-premium segments, similar to the Super Tuscan wines produced by the family in the famous Tuscany region of Italy.

© 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!