Caii de la Letea Vol.1 Feteasca Neagra (Via Viticola) 2023 [Caii de la Letea Vol.1 Feteasca Neagra] (Romania / Red / Spicy Medium-bodied)

■ Appearance: Vibrant ruby red, sound and brilliant.

■ Aroma: A rich, fruit-driven bouquet featuring sour cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, and juicy plum. Warm spicy nuances of black pepper and cinnamon are beautifully complemented by a hint of vanilla.

■ Palate: Velvety smooth on the palate with perfect balance. A deep, pleasant, and approachable flavor, packed with rich dark fruits and gentle spices, lingers in an elegant finish.

Dobrogea: A Historic Region Near the Black Sea and the "Black Maiden"
Produced by VSN in the historic Dobrogea region near the Black Sea. The "Caii de la Letea" (Horses of Letea) series, inspired by the beautiful wild horses of the Letea Forest, captures the untouched nature and rich viticultural history of this area, expressing exceptional quality and terroir-driven character in every bottle.

Also known as "Black Maiden," Fetească Neagră is a traditional indigenous Romanian grape variety cultivated since ancient times. With immense potential and versatility, it can produce everything from fresh rosés to complex, full-bodied red wines suitable for long aging.

To ensure concentrated flavors, yields are strictly limited (3.5 t/ha), and the grapes are carefully cultivated. Under the guidance of vineyard manager Sorin Ignat and consultant Paul Frea, the wine is crafted to preserve the grape's natural fruity profile and soft tannins, making it wonderfully approachable in its youth and enjoyable until around 2028. VSN combines ancient winemaking traditions with modern techniques to present Romania's indigenous varieties to the world at an exceptional level.

Recommended perfect matches for this wine:

• ■ Transylvanian Sarmale (rich pork-stuffed cabbage rolls): The wine's dark fruit and subtle acidity perfectly temper the richness of the pork, beautifully harmonizing with the rustic flavors and spices of the cabbage.
• ■ Grilled lamb (Jingisukan style) or Kurobuta pork cutlet: The soft, velvety tannins enhance the rich fat and savory crust of the meat without overpowering it.
• ■ Tacos or meat sauce pasta: The spicy nuances of black pepper and cinnamon in the wine create a natural bridge to cumin-spiced taco meat or a slow-simmered, rich Bolognese.

Serving Temperature: 16℃〜18℃ (Enjoy its true richness at this temperature range / Decanting is not necessary)

Sarica Niculițel (Niculițel village, Dobrogea region)
Located in the lowlands near the Black Sea (0-50m altitude), the vineyards benefit from a unique, ocean-influenced microclimate with moderate rainfall (350-450mm). The pure limestone (calcareous) soil imparts a beautiful structural balance and subtle minerality to the wine, allowing Fetească Neagră to perfectly express the true character of this region.