Typical Romanian grape variety, which has been grown for hundreds of years on substantial plantings in the south of Moldova (east part of Romania) and eastern Muntenia (sputhern part of Romania).
Grape characteristics
The grapes are medium to large, cylindrical-conical with spherical, medium-sized berries and dark purple skins. Although it is a vigorous vine, it is resistant to frost, drought and rot Feteasca Neagra has quite a low productivity (sometimes around 30 % of normal). For this reason, when pruning the vines, a large number of buds are left. Feteasca Neagra reaches maturity shortly before merlot, generally after September 10, with a growing season of about 160-170 days. This variety easily accumulates significant amounts of sugar (230 -240 g/l) and has good acidity of over 7 g/l tartaric acid (if production does not exceed 8.7 tons/ha). Favourable conditions for the maturation of this variety are provided by sunny slopes, where the accumulation of anthocyanins reaches optimum levels.
Wines produced
This variety can produce exceptional rosé wines to red wines that can be aged in quality oak barrels and then in the bottle, resulting in distinctive wines, with a pronounced typicity.
Depending on the site and winemaking techniques, resulting wines show a range of flavors and fine tannin structure, good acidity, average to full body and medium to high alcohol level.
Flavors and aromas
Fruits such as blackberries, plums or black cherries
Brown and black cods such as cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and allspice
Toasted bread and skin (for old wines)
Food pairings
For a good Feteasca Neagra or Feteasca Neagra blend:
Oven roasted beef with a concentrated Port wine sauce with onion, garlic, green pepper, sweet pepper and potatoes with rosemary
Beef or lamb steak or wild boar goulash with baked pepper and polenta
Venison goulash with foie gras, allspice, balsamic vinegar and garlic with mashed potatoes
Oven roasted duck with glaze of green spices, baked apples and a reduction of balsamic vinegar with potato puree
Mousses with black chocolate, chili, red pepper and sea salt
Lavacake with black chocolate
