This is a deeply complex Fetească Neagră – a speciality of Romania and Moldova. Faintly reminiscent of northern Italy with it's red cherry and bright acidity, this is beautifully made, pale and interesting but with a wicked feral streak that holds the interest from the first sip to the last. Plum and cherry flavours are complemented by warm spice notes from the barrel ageing, while the relatively high acidity and gentle tannins keeps the wine fresh and very approachable.
Unusual grape varieties? Check! Organic? Check! Natural? Check! Nice packaging? Checkety-check-check! More important than ticking boxes however, the wines are great. Looking back at my notes from when I first tasted these, the word 'compelling' keeps appearing – these are unique and interesting wines that develop in the glass and hold your attention. Nachbil is located in Beltiug in the North-Western Transylvania region of Romania where they organically farm 23 ha of vineyard in excellent climactic conditions. The 300 year old wine cellar sits next to a new wine making facility, where all grapes are processed.
Since 2010, the vines have been tended without herbicide, pesticide and mineral fertilizers, and this minimal intervention approach is continued in the winery where they avoid additives such as cultured yeast and enzymes or other technical interventions. The only ingredient used in wine production at Nachbil is grapes. As everywhere, the soil and climate represent the foundation of viticulture. In Beltiug, there are different types of clays and a moderate warm climate ideal for grape vines, and with a wide range of plots, Nachbil have an assortment of microclimates to suit different varieties.
Handpicked, dry farmed, organically grown grapes with nothing added - 4 weeks on skins in 2000L old oak with wild yeast fermentation. After 11 months in the barrel the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered and kept back a further 2 months before release. 2500 bottles of the 2017 vintage were produced.
Great with a steak tartare or carpaccio, grilled tuna or any lighter meat dishes.
Country | Romania |
Region | Crisana and Maramures |
Grapes | Fetească Neagră |
ABV | 13.5% |
Suitable for Vegans | Yes |
Organic | Yes |
Standard Delivery
Mainland UK Orders over £150 | FREE |
Mainland UK Orders under £150 | £7.95 |
Scottish Highlands and Isle of Wight | £14.95 |
Scottish Islands | £19.95 |
Isle of Man and Isles of Scilly | £19.95 |
Northern Ireland | £19.95 |
Channel Islands | £24.95 |
Saturday Delivery
Mainland UK Orders over £150 | £6.95 |
Mainland UK Orders under £150 | £14.95 |
Store Pickup
Collect in store usually same/next day | FREE |