Grape variety Rara Neagra was the first one named by foreign experts while answering to my question about calling card of Moldovan vinification. Certainly, wines from this variety are included in the Moldovan wine portfolio. Herefore, winemakers have the responsibility to make these wines very well, because they represent the winemaking of their country. And it is particularly important for quality-leaders in the wine industry to establish a higher quality level (but this does not mean that other companies’ wines have to be similar). Aurore Rara Neagră Wine, 2016 from IGP Valul lui Traian, is one of those quality leaders.
The variety proved to be resistant
The Rara Neagră variety resists the phylloxera, so it resisted during the “invasion” of this parasite, which destroyed the vineyards of European varieties. It is one of the oldest varieties cultivated in our country, it is the “salt” of our earth. The Rara Neagră was included among the first in the catalog of plant varieties of the Republic of Moldova in 1946, as soon as this catalog was created.
But in the Soviet times, the winemakers did not pay special attention to it, considering it suitable only for coupage because of the less pronounced color compared to Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Climate warming has had a positive impact on this variety, “giving it” the anthocians who lacked it in the peel for an ideal color, so Rara Neagră was loved by winemakers and for its pleasant berries aromas.
Had to be
On the vineyards of Fautor company there is also a place for Rara Neagră variety. It is cultivated on a 3 ha area near Romanovca village in Leova district, the age of the plantation is 6 years old. Previously, the winemakers used the grapes of this variety only in blend such as: * 310 Altitudine Merlot – Rara Neagră 2016, Negre 2015 and Negre 2016 (blended with Feteasca Neagră). And now, a Rara Neagră solo.
The appearance of mono-varieties was essential, not needed to ask any questions like whether it is worth it or not, because consumers in our market are looking for such wines, they want to try these wines because only in them can you see and feel the distinctive characteristics of each variety, – says Ruxanda Lipcan Marketing Director of Fautor. – I also believe that consumers should get acquainted with and know the main characteristics of native grape varieties. And then you can make different coupages for richer and more exciting taste sensations.”
An interesting and complex wine
Red-ruby wine with a complex, interesting bouquet. The first nose – sweet berries of the forest and the cloves. Then, in the glass, flavors of dried rosehip berries, wild cherries, black rowan, allspice, pomegranate peel and juice, dried plums and dried raspberry leaves. Later, a fine smoke aroma appears, followed by a vanilla flavor.
Aurore Rara Neagră 2016 is a soft wine in taste with a slight bitterness, which then yields the place of a pleasant acidity, but at the same time the sweetness of the wild cherries persists. A post-long taste of black berries. This wine has average corporeality, preserved by maturing in oak barrels, because of Rara Neagră variety it is not possible to obtain full-bodied wine.
As production director Tatiana Croitoru said, the wine was obtained by blending. That is, Rara Neagră grapes were processed through two different technological schemes. The wine was aged in oak barrels for 6 months, and then these two parts were combined in different proportions. The complexity of the work carried out by winemakers has given the wine its “multilateralism”.
Really inspired flavor left in the empty glass after you have served wine, you get a pleasure no less enjoyable!
Aurore Rara Neagră 2016, IGP Valul lui Traian succeeded in winning a silver medal at the 2018 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, which took place in South Africa (Stellenbosch).
Why AURORE?
The name of the series Aurore in translation means ” northern lights”. We were inspired by this natural phenomenon, which is unique and at the same time can be of different colors and shapes as well as every wine in this series. They should be tried and appreciated”- explained marketing director Ruxanda Lipcan.
One of his manifestations is in photography.
And this song seems to me to convey the essence of Rara Neagră grape variety and Rara Neagră wine. In it – my Moldova.
