LECHBURG | Cru Vigna del Corvo | Pinot Noir | 2020
pinot noir

© 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!

The Lechburg winery is known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, aiming to deliver wines that embody the spirit of the Transylvania’s unique terroir, contributing to the region’s identity. The winery’s vision revolves around organic farming practices, emphasizing the importance of natural methods to nurture grapevine, which sets them apart within Romania’s evolving wine landscape.

Today we are going to review a single-varietal pinot noir wine from the relatively cool Lechinta region of Romania – Cru Vigna del Corvo Pinot Noir 2020 by Lechburg. Pinot Noir has reached a legendary status over the last decades and today it is the most sought-after red wine in the world. The grape itself is quite vulnerable, suffering from a multitude of diseases and its genetics make it highly susceptible to mutation. But despite all the difficulty to grow pinot noir, when treated with utmost care, it is capable of producing the very best expressions of terrior.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the beautiful Sâniacob microregion of the Lechința wine region in Transilvania. This area is characterized by its continental climate and fertile clay and loamy soils, which are especially conducive for growing high-quality Pinot Noir grapes. The winemaking methods used at the winery reflect a commitment to sustainability by applying the principles of the organic farming, without the use of synthetic chemicals, but rather a range of natural ingredients, that have the role of starters in harmonization of the biological processes in the soil, where they stimulate microbial life. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the pinot noir grapes and the delicate terroir footprint of the microregion, this wine has been aged for just 3 months on fine lees in large oak barrels, then matured in concrete tank, with additional bottle ageing before it was deemed ready for the market release.

The Lechinta region is formed mainly of clay and loamy soils, which are rich in minerals, allowing the grapes to thrive, which in turn enhance the final character of the wine. The climate here is relatively cool, suited mostly to white grape varieties or thin skinned red varieties, characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night. This specific microclimate allows for a relatively-long ripening season, essential for the development of complex aromatic compounds within the grape berries.

color: pale & transparent garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, this wine showcases pale and transparent garnet color, with hazy copper shades at the rim.

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

The nose presents a rich and savory aromatic profile, with vibrant notes of ripe berry fruits, including dried sour cherries, dehydrated cranberries, and raspberries. Underlying these fruity elements are intriguing herbal hints of thyme and bay leaf, complemented by leather, clay, and subtle oaky notes of sun-dried oakwood and sweet tobacco.

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

On the palate, the wine unfolds with a heady, ripe, and well-structured flavour profile. The mouthfeel feels seedy and crisp, with a dried fruit baseline supporting vibrant acidity and a touch of alcoholic warmth. Flavors echo the nose, offering a harmony of dried fruit, earth, and herbal elements, enriched by silky-seedy tannins. The finish is medium and pleasingly seedy, leaving a memorable and lasting impression.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within a year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this wine offers a rich herbal profile with a well-balanced palate. It is quite fresh for a cool climate pinot noir, showcasing some varietal typicity of the grape. The wine is right there, in its prime, thus ready to be enjoyed today or within a year. While it may not yet reach the elegance or finesse of the old world pinot noir wines, it is undoubtedly an admirable example of what Transylvania can bring to the table.

LECHBURG | Cru Vigna del Corvo | Pinot Noir | 2020
variety: pinot noir
country: Romania | Transilvania
region: Lechinta | Saniacob
rating: 93.4

For a perfect pairing, consider serving this wine alongside grilled fish, or classic steaks like sirloin or T-bone, or, why not even a delightful mushroom risotto. The wine’s vibrant acidity and dried fruit character would complement the rich flavors of these dishes, creating a lovely wine tasting experience.

While the Lechburg winery is relatively new on the Romanian wine scene, its adherence to organic practices and the production of high-quality wines reflect a broader movement within Transylvania wine map, aimed at revitalizing the region’s vinicultural legacy.

© 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!