From: Săhăteni, Dealu Mare, Romania
Varietal: Fetească Neagră, Merlot
Taste: In the glass, the wine presents a saturated ruby core with violet edges. Aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, and mulberry lead, layered with sweet baking spice, cedar, and a hint of leather. The palate is full-bodied and structured, offering supple tannins and lifted acidity. Notes of cocoa, black pepper, and dried herbs blend with flavors of brambly, dark fruit. The Merlot component adds softness and mid-palate flesh, while the Fetească Neagră brings savory undertones and a smoky, mineral finish and grip that lingers.
Pairing: This blend’s ample structure and savory depth make it ideal with dishes that offer richness, umami, or spice. Begin by aligning its tannin with protein and balancing its freshness with acidity. Traditional Romanian sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or grilled mici (spiced sausages) highlight its rich spice and fruit flavors. Roasted duck with plum sauce or slow-braised short ribs in red wine enhance its earthy core.
About: Domeniile Săhăteni is from the village of Săhăteni, within the Dealu Mare region of Romania, a historic wine-growing area renowned for its sun-drenched hills and favorable microclimate. The estate is led by Aurelia Vișinescu, one of Romania’s most respected oenologists, and at the forefront in bringing the country’s wines into the modern era of international recognition.
Born in the 1960s in Romania, Aurelia Vișinescu pursued a degree in oenology and biochemistry and built her early career working in large-scale industrial wineries. During the 1990s, she gained international experience, traveling and studying in South Africa and other wine-producing countries.
