2007 Cuvee Charlotte Terra Romana

I received this wine from Serve during my December 2010 visit at the winery. Mr Aurel Rotarescu, the winemaker, gladly gave me a tour of the winery and also offered a wide range of wines from bottles and barrels for tasting. The most interesting wines, as I remember, were the 2007 and 2008 Cuvee Charlotte, and the Cuvee Alexandru 2007.

I got to open this bottle about two weeks ago to pair it with grilled beef. While the weather was still very warm, not to say hot(31 Celsius), the wine showed pretty well. It was served a bit colder than the recommended serving temperature. Unfortunately I lost my tasting notes I got when I had the wine, so my notes below are from memory.

2007 Cuvee Charlotte Terra Romana

Blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Feteasca Neagra and 21% Merlot aged for at least 12 months in oak. (14.5% alc)

A dark red garnet, youthful color. The nose is already developed, with traces of elevage but without being in excess, mixed with black and red fruits, and a touch of spice – nutmeg and cinnamon shine out. More aging in the bottle should integrate better the oaky flavors. There is a firm tannins structure and moderate depth on the palate, well balanced, with mixed flavors of fresh red fruits, plums and spice. The finish is lifted by assertive tannins with a bit of dryness that points out the young age of this wine. Balanced and charming, should evolve well over the next 3-5 years. (88-89/100)