LICORNA WINEHOUSE | Serafim | Rosé | 2023
merlot

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Licorna Winehouse, located in Romania’s renowned Dealu Mare area, has gained acclaim for its quality wines that express the unique terroir of the region. The winery combines traditional and modern winemaking techniques to produce high-quality wines.

Today we are going to review a single varietal merlot rosé wine from the famous Dealu Mare region of Romania – Serafim Rosé 2023 by Licorna Winehouse. This wine is made from meticulously harvested merlot grapes – a variety that is renowned for its vibrant acidity and vibrant red fruit notes. The production process involves protective winemaking methods that preserve the integrity of the fruit, like for example manual harvesting of the grapes, gentle destemming and delicate pressing, with the free-run must juice transferred directly into stainless steel tanks to begin fermentation.

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 onion-orange color
clarity: pale salmon hues

In the glass, the wine presents a bright onion-orange color, supported by pale salmon hues at the rim of the glass.

intensity: rich & dump
fruit character: underripe

On the nose, this rosé wine boasts a delicate aromatic profile that is both rich and damp, characterized by underripe fruit notes. The foreground presents elements of moist wood and sweet potato, accompanied by hints of wool and hay. In the background, delightful berry fruits emerge, with notes of wolfberry, cranberry, and subtle notes of red delicious apple.

sweetness: off dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: fair
finish: short | aftertaste: crisp & hot

The palate reveals a heady and hot mouthfeel, defined by its crisp yet sweet profile that showcases a pronounced angularity. The wine’s off-dry nature provides a balance of crisp acidity and an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth, with seedy tannins lingering on the tongue. The finish is crisp and hot at the same time, defining an unusual character that feels slightly bold for a rosé wine.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within the next couple of months
verdict: fair | acceptable & simple | a decent wine that lacks character and structure

Overall, this is a fair and simple rosé wine, best enjoyed today as it has already reached the peak of its form. This wine lacks the finesse and elegance that this wine style is famous for, making it a suitable option for casual sipping rather than a wine for a special evening or occasion.

LICORNA WINEHOUSE | Serafim | Rosé | 2023
variety: merlot
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare
rating: 89.5

This rosé pairs beautifully with robust dishes, such as grilled fish, chicken salads, and vegetable appetizers, as the wine’s crispness is capable to complement the rich flavors of these dishes, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings and outdoor dining.

Licorna emphasizes sustainability and traditional practices in its winemaking approach, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. The Serafim Rosé 2015 was recognized as the best rosé in the BASF wine competition, underscoring the winery’s dedication to producing quality wines at accessible prices.

© 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!