Patima Merlot Single Vineyard Dealu Teganeanu Dealu Mare (Crama DeMatei) 2019 [Patima Merlot Single Vineyard Dealu Teganeanu] (Romania / Red / Single Vineyard - Full-bodied)

■ Appearance: An impressive and deep ruby red with vibrant, almost opaque luster and violet reflections.

■ Nose: A lavish and rich bouquet where violets, ripe Morello cherries, and blackcurrants take center stage. Elegant nuances of dark chocolate, leather, licorice, and sweet spices from oak aging intertwine gracefully.

■ Palate: Full-bodied, powerful, and beautifully balanced. Silky tannins and bright, lively acidity envelop the palate, leading to a deeply satisfying and elegant finish with prominent toasted oak and cocoa notes.

A Masterpiece from DeMatei Winery in the Dealu Mare Hills
Crafted by Crama DeMatei in the rolling hills of Romania's Dealu Mare, this wine embodies generations of viticultural excellence. Sourced exclusively from an 8.57-hectare single plot on Teaga Neanu Hill, planted in 1982, it captures the warm and soulful essence of Romanian winemaking, blending deep-rooted tradition with precision.

While Merlot is globally beloved for its smooth palate and dark fruit flavors, in the sun-drenched hills of Dealu Mare, it reveals a distinct character: powerful, nuanced by its soil, and rich in spice, captivating those who drink it.

Grapes are carefully hand-harvested at full ripeness from vines over 40 years old. After 14 days of temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is patiently aged for 12 months in oak barrels, lending it incredible depth and potential for long-term aging (10-15 years). Crama DeMatei is highly regarded for proving that Romanian terroir can produce world-class, prestigious red wines, and this "Patima" (passion) series represents the pinnacle of their vineyard selection.

This deep, full-bodied red demands rich, intensely flavored, and robust dishes that match its structure.

• ■ Teppanyaki or Grilled Ribeye Steak: The wine's robust tannins perfectly complement the rich marbling and savory char of premium beef.
• ■ Herb-Crusted Roasted Lamb: The earthy, savory notes of the Merlot beautifully harmonize with the gaminess of lamb and its herbal crust.
• ■ Dark Chocolate Desserts or Aged Cheeses: The subtle cocoa and vanilla hints from oak aging resonate with bittersweet chocolate, creating a decadent and harmonious finish.

Serving Temperature: 16℃〜18℃ (Decanting for 1-2 hours is highly recommended)

Dealul Teaga Neanu (Teaga Neanu Hill) / Dealu Mare DOC-CMD
Dealu Mare is often called "Romania's Bordeaux" due to its ideal climate, rolling hills, and shared latitude (45° N). Specifically, the Dealul Teaga Neanu vineyard features rich, reddish-brown clay soils with limestone subsoil and high iron oxide content. This particular soil structure provides excellent water retention and mineral supply, imparting a powerful and robust structure to the wine.