MAESTRO | Feteasca Neagra – Rara Neagra | 2023
feteasca neagra | rara neagra

© 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!

Maestro Wines is renowned for its commitment to crafting exciting wines, a winery that embodies the passion for meticulous craftsmanship. With its vineyards planted in Moldova’s Valul lui Traian and Stefan Voda regions, the winery takes pride in its organic practices and deep-rooted philosophy that respects the local traditions but with a modern twist.
Today we are going to review a quite intriguing wine from the Stefan Voda region, which is situated in the south of Moldova – Feteasca Neagra – Rara Neagra 2023 by Maestro Wines. This wine is a harmonious blend of two indigenous grape varieties: feteasca neagra and rara neagra, where feteasca neagra forms the wine’s main body and structure, while rara neagra adds up-front richness and builds a more refined mid-palate. Feteasca Neagra is a romanian indigenous grape variety that has been grown for hundreds of years on substantial plantings in the south of Moldova and eastern Muntenia and today, this is the most famous red variety in Romania. Wines made from feteasca neagra grapes are usually fruit-forward, complex and structured, wines that often are compared to merlot and cabernet franc, mostly due to their body, robust tannins and elegant textures. Rara Neagra, which is also known as babeasca neagra in Romania, is also an indigenous grape variety that originated in the historic Greater Moldova region and is famous for its ability to highlight different aspects of terroir. The wines made from rara neagra grapes are highly romantic, light in body, with velvety tannins and high natural acidity. Some wine even go as far and compare them to the wines made from pinot noir grapes, mostly in terms of structure and finesse.

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: pale purple color
clarity: hazy indigo shades

In the glass, the wine displays a pale purple color with hazy indigo shades at the rim, inviting immediate curiosity. The clarity is appealing, lending an elegant appearance that hints at the wine’s complexity.

intensity: rich & explosive
fruit character: ripe & underripe

On the nose, this wine is rich and explosive, showcasing a ripe and underripe fruit character. The foreground delivers a delightful array of mostly berry fruits, including blue plum, wild cherry, blackberry, and sour cherry, intertwined with savory accents of new leather, brown olive, iron, and a hint of iodine. In the background, earthy barnyard notes and herbal tones of wormwood emerge, adding depth and sophistication to the wine’s aromatic profile.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: fair
finish: medium | aftertaste: green & crisp

On the palate, the wine feels a bit angular, heady, and slightly green, with a ripe fruit character. The mouthfeel is marked by exuberant acidity and a seedy-hot texture on the finish. The tannins provide structure, while the heady aftertaste lingers, reflecting the wine’s youthful vibrancy.

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

Overall, the wine feels somewhat unbalanced at this stage, yet it reveals the potential for polish and refinement with some bottle ageing. This is an ample, plump and aromatically rich wine, with a lean and supple mouthfeel. Although it is currently approachable, a bit more time in the bottle will benefit its development, which could significantly enhance its overall harmony and balance.

MAESTRO | Feteasca Neagra – Rara Neagra | 2023
variety: feteasca neagra | rara neagra
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 91.5

This wine would pair beautifully with grilled lamb chops or duck breast. The generous fruit profile and acidity in the wine would complement nicely the richness of the meat, while the savory and earthy notes would create a delightful contrast with the flavours of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

© 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!