TARABOSTE | Feteasca Neagra | Barrique | 2022
feteasca neagra

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The Taraboste label was created to represent the noble heritage of moldovan winemaking, thus showcasing the country’s unique terroir. Taraboste was the name given by the romans to the aristocracy of the geto-dacians – a name that is meant to highlight the nobility of each wine. Inspired by Moldova’s traditions and cultural richness, Taraboste wines resonate with heritage, people and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

Today we are going to review a single-varietal feteasca neagra wine that comes from the Valul lui Traian region, situated in the south of Moldova – Taraboste Feteasca Neagra Barrique 2022 by Château Vartely. Made of grapes that were sourced from the warm Bugeac area, which is designated under the Valul lui Traian IGP, this wine has been aged in oak barrels, with additional bottle ageing time before it was deemed ready for the market release. The wine is also part of the Taraboste line, which is a tribute to the dacian ancestors, who set up the old traditions of winemaking in the northern Balkan regions.

Feteasca Neagra is an indigenous romanian 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. There is a rising demand for feteasca neagra wines on the regional as well as on the international markets and many wine experts consider this variety to be the visit card of romanian wines.

Valul lui Traian IGP boasts a warm continental climate that is ideal for viticulture, especially suited for red grape varieties. The region’s geography forms a harmonious balance between warm summer days and cool nights, which is essential for achieving optimal ripeness and for the development of rich flavors in the grapes. The soil here is predominantly clay, limestone, and sandy loam, ensuring excellent drainage and providing the necessary nutrients to the vines while also contributing a slight minerality to the wines. Compared to similar wines from other regions, those from Valul lui Traian area showcase a robust aromatic intensity brought by the unique climatic and soil characteristics of the region.

color: deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades

In the glass, the wine displays a deep garnet color, with hazy garnet shades at the rim, suggesting both richness and depth.

intensity: pronounced & oaky
fruit character: overripe & dehydrated

The olfactory experience is pronounced and oaky, showcasing an overripe fruit character layered with nuanced hints of dehydrated fruits. The aromatic profile is dominated by black fruits, such as dark cherry, blackcurrant, and black plum, intertwined with notes of toasted oak and tobacco. In the background, notes of peppercorn and nutmeg are intertwingled alongside earthy undertones of pencil lead and black soil dust, adding depth to the aromatic profile.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: seedy-heady

On the palate, the wine feels fruity-explosive, presenting a nuanced and expressive feteasca neagra. The mouthfeel is bold with a pronounced oaky accent, revealing flavors of overripe fruit harmonized with a dry finish. The wine’s exuberant acidity balances well against the overwhelming alcoholic warmth, while the grippy tannins provide a seedy texture that lingers for quite a while. Complexity is evident, with a lengthy aftertaste that showcases hints of its illustrious oak maturation.

maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a pronouncedly-oaky and slightly angular expression of the feteasca neagra grape variety, showcasing a well-structured and pleasantly-seedy mouthfeel. Although still developing, this wine is ready to be enjoyed today, with the potential to age gracefully for at least 2 or 3 more years. As one of the standout feteasca neagra wines from Moldova, this wine represents the country’s winemaking potential with great rigor.

For an optimal pairing, consider enjoying this robust wine with rich, flavorful dishes such as grilled lamb with herb-infused polenta or a smoky barbecue chicken with charred eggplant. The richness of these dishes will complement lovely the wine’s expressive characteristics, while the wine’s nuanced acidity and tannic structure will ensure a harmonious balance between flavours and textures. Cheers!
TARABOSTE | Feteasca Neagra | Barrique | 2022
variety: feteasca neagra
country: Moldova
region: Valul lui Traian | Bugeac
rating: 94.2

The name ‘Taraboste’ was historically given by the romans to signify the aristocracy of the geto-dacian tribes, who lived in what is now modern-day Romania and Moldova. The Tarabostes were at the top of the dacian social hierarchy and were distinguishable by their attire, particularly a type of pointed hat called a pileus, which symbolized their noble status.

© 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!