Apogeum
DOC Dealu Mare
Feteasca Neagra
2021 - 14.8% vol. alc. - 75cl.
Droge rode wijn
Vol, krachtig & complex
Bewaarpotentieel: >15 jaar
Collector's item ! Slechts een beperkt aantal flessen op stock.
Deze wijn wordt gezien als één van de beste wijnen uit Roemenië.
Crama Apogeum – Crama Apogeum (crama-apogeum.ro)
Heel beperkte opbrengst. Handgeplukt en manuele selectie. Het volume alcohol is weliswaar goed geïntegreerd, maar dit blijft een stevige kerel.
De kleur is paarsrood met granaatreflecties, de geur is intens, elegant, met balsamicotonen, rijpe pruimen en zwarte bosvruchten.
De smaak is rond, vol, met geuren van chocolade en kruiden.
Past bij: wild, rood vlees op de grill en blauwschimmelkaas.
Gouden medaille Decanter 2021.
winemaker's notes:
APOGEUM – Fetească Neagră 2020
Let us begin with a brief overview of the 2020 vintage.
2020 was an exceptional year in terms of both quantity and quality. Compensating for the losses caused by the hail in 2019, this year proved to be highly favorable for the production of Fetească Neagră, as well as for other grape varieties, all of which reached an above-average quality level.
In addition to the outstanding quality of the harvest, production levels were close to the maximum limit for several varieties.
The beginning of the year favored the growing season, with a late and warm autumn.
At the end of February, precipitation reached up to 50 liters per square meter, after which spring continued with a dry pattern throughout March and April.
The warm and dry start of 2020 extended flowering for the Cabernet varieties until around June 10. The mild yet dry summer did not negatively affect the grape varieties.
As early as June, gentle rains brought the first signs of optimism for what was announced to be an exceptional harvest.
The mild and relatively dry autumn allowed full phenolic ripeness in all red varieties, resulting in a high-quality production.
The APOGEUM vines are located at an altitude of 360 meters, with a northwest exposure and were planted in 1959, making them over 60 years old. Harvest begins in the third week of September.
From 5.7 hectares, yields average around 3 tons per hectare, resulting in a limited edition of 9,090 bottles.
The production method involves ceramic amphorae of 2,700 and 1,000 liters (more information at https://drunkturtle.it/anfore/).
Harvesting takes place in the early hours of the day. After destemming, the berries are carefully hand-selected, preserving only the finest fruit. Using a peristaltic pump that does not crush the berries, the amphorae are then filled.
Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control. Crushing takes place manually inside the amphorae, as shown in the short video clip, over a period of 24–48 hours. During alcoholic fermentation, the cap is managed through gentle sinking and dipping, again without temperature control.
After three weeks, alcoholic fermentation is completed and followed by a light filtration. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation for the next 3–4 months at 16°C. In spring, the wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging.
Two barrel sizes are used:
• 300-liter Seguin Moreau “Élégance” barrels, 100% French oak, medium-low toast (60%)
• Second-use Synergie barriques, medium-plus toast (40%)
Maturation continues for 24 months. After bottling, the wine is aged for an additional 12–16 months before release.
Fetească Neagră is characterized by ripe fruit aromas, especially black plums, black cherries, and black berries, complemented by spicy notes, structured tannins, and a juicy palate.
The wine is ready to drink now, while also offering excellent aging potential.
We hope you will enjoy our wine.
Stefan Timofti, winemaker Apogeum
