Grape Variety
Feteasca-Neagra
"feh-TEHS-kə NYAH-grah"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Feteasca-Neagra
Origin
Romania
History
Fetească Neagră, meaning 'Black Maiden,' is an ancient pre-phylloxeric grape variety native to Romania and the Republic of Moldova. It has been cultivated for centuries, primarily in the historical region of Moldavia. The grape is known for producing high-quality red wines with rich flavors and significant aging potential.
Appearance
Medium-sized, spherical berries with dark purple skins, forming compact, cylindrical-conical clusters.
Growing Traits
Fetească Neagră is a vigorous vine, resistant to frost, drought, and rot. It has a relatively low productivity, often around 30% of normal yields, necessitating careful vineyard management. The grape accumulates high sugar levels, typically between 230 to 240 g/l, and maintains good acidity, making it suitable for producing wines with balanced alcohol and freshness.
Wine Characteristics
Body
4/5
Sweetness
2/5
Tannin
4/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
4/5
Medium to full-bodied with a rich and velvety texture, showcasing its depth and concentration. Typically dry, though semi-dry and sweet versions exist, highlighting its versatility. Moderate to high tannin levels, providing structure and aging potential. Balanced acidity, contributing to its freshness and ability to pair with various dishes. Moderate to high alcohol content, typically ranging between 12% and 14%, offering warmth and body.
Taste Profile
Blackberry
Plum
Dried Fig
Spice
Vanilla
Fetească Neagră wines are characterized by rich and complex flavors of blackberry, plum, and dried fig, complemented by spicy notes and hints of vanilla, especially when aged in oak. The moderate to high tannin levels provide structure, while balanced acidity ensures freshness, leading to a lingering and harmonious finish.
Food Pairing
Fetească Neagră's rich fruit flavors and balanced structure make it an excellent match for grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses. It pairs particularly well with traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mititei (grilled minced meat rolls). The wine's moderate acidity and tannins also complement roasted vegetables and hearty pasta dishes.
Growing Regions
Romania
MoldaviaMunteniaOlteniaBanatNorthern Dobruja
Republic of Moldova
CodruȘtefan VodăValul lui Traian
Notable Wines & Producers
Purcari Fetească Neagră
Château Purcari
Davino Reserva Fetească Neagră
Davino Winery
Lacerta Fetească Neagră
Lacerta Winery
Feteasca-Neagra FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Feteasca-Neagra?
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Romania
Is Feteasca-Neagra wine full bodied?
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Feteasca-Neagra has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Feteasca-Neagra is Moderate to Full bodied.
Is Feteasca-Neagra wine dry or sweet?
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Feteasca-Neagra has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Feteasca-Neagra is Semi-Dry.
Where is Feteasca-Neagra wine from?
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Romania
Where is Feteasca-Neagra grown?
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Feteasca-Neagra is grown in Romania (Moldavia, Muntenia, Oltenia, Banat, Northern Dobruja)Republic of Moldova (Codru, Ștefan Vodă, Valul lui Traian).
What is Feteasca-Neagra like?
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Fetească Neagră wines are characterized by rich and complex flavors of blackberry, plum, and dried fig, complemented by spicy notes and hints of vanilla, especially when aged in oak. The moderate to high tannin levels provide structure, while balanced acidity ensures freshness, leading to a lingering and harmonious finish.
What does Feteasca-Neagra pair with?
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Fetească Neagră's rich fruit flavors and balanced structure make it an excellent match for grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses. It pairs particularly well with traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mititei (grilled minced meat rolls). The wine's moderate acidity and tannins also complement roasted vegetables and hearty pasta dishes.
What does Feteasca-Neagra taste like?
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Fetească Neagră wines are characterized by rich and complex flavors of blackberry, plum, and dried fig, complemented by spicy notes and hints of vanilla, especially when aged in oak. The moderate to high tannin levels provide structure, while balanced acidity ensures freshness, leading to a lingering and harmonious finish.
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