The Sign Fetească Neagră Wild

The Sign collection brings together signature wines emblematic for the Romanian market. The wines reflect the special terroir of the Budureasca vineyards and are obtained through innovative techniques, being at the same time deeply anchored in the tradition of the Dealu Mare region. The unique characteristics of the local varieties and the potential of our vineyards are exploited to the maximum, to offer you these wines with a strong and complex personality, intended for classic wine enthusiasts or those who want to explore the diversity of Romanian viticulture.

Feteasca Neagră is probably the most popular Romanian variety. The variety is part of the dyer’s grape family, which not only has a dark skin, but also the pulp of the fruit. The wines from Fetească Neagră are extractive and full-bodied, with consistent and well-defined tannins. Also, Feteasca Neagră lends itself to a long aging in oak barrels. Typical aromas are those of blackberry, black cherry and berries, with accents of chocolate or vanilla depending on the type of oak chosen for maturation.

In 2022, the Budureasca team decided to create Fetească Neagră Wild for the first time, a wine made exclusively with native wild yeasts from our vineyards, naturally present on the grapes. For this challenge, we selected grapes from a plot located at 200 meters altitude, with soils composed of chernozem, sand and gravel. The greatest ambition of our oenologist Stephen Donnelly was to create a pure Fetească Neagră, “stripped” of any external influences – the variety in all its glory.

The wild yeast on the surface of Fetească Neagră grapes was protected to evolve in the desired direction. It was essential that all the equipment used in winemaking be immaculate, so that the wild yeast does not come into contact with other substances. In just a few days, during which our experts monitored the process, the results were amazing. After fermentation, the wine was gently pressed. The malolactic fermentation was established and progressed naturally, after the end of the alcoholic one, at the end the wine was bottled without aging in oak barrels, precisely to preserve the supreme purity of the variety.

Tasting Notes

In the glass it has a gorgeous dark ruby ​​red color with violet reflections and a delightful aromatic bouquet based on cherries and blackberry jam. The palate feels full, giving the wine a sophisticated elegance, outlined by ripe tannins and pleasant acidity. At the end, the velvety aftertaste further enriches the tasting experience. Vinified without barrel aging for an authentic and pure expression of the Fetească Neagra variety.

Food Pairing

Excellent enjoyed on its own, but it is also ideal with various fine dishes of duck meat, pork, lasagna, pasta with Bolognese sauce, platters with various semi-hard cheeses.

Serving Temperature

It is recommended to serve at a temperature of 16 – 18°C. Before consumption, store in a dark and cool place, away from sunlight.