Overview
Romania's Pinot Noir is one of Eastern Europe's best-kept secrets. The Dealu Mare region — sub-Carpathian hillsides at 200–400m with south-facing limestone and clay soils — produces Pinot of genuine Burgundian delicacy. The indigenous Fetească Neagră ('Black Maiden'), often blended with Pinot, adds a uniquely Romanian dark-cherry, spiced character. SERVE's Terra Romana Pinot Noir regularly impresses international critics.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium ruby
- Nose
- Red cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Violet and Earth.
- Palate
- Eastern Europe's surprise — elegant, cherry-bright Pinot on limestone hills. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, soft tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Soft2/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
Pinot NoirFetească NeagrăMerlot
Aromas And Notes
Red cherryRaspberryStrawberryPomegranateDark cherryVioletEarthSpiceCedarLeatherTobaccoForest floorDried cherry
Terroir
Continental — warm south-facing slopes, cold nights preserve fruit. Sub-Carpathian protection from northern frosts.
Clay-limestoneLimestoneSandy clayLoam
Food Pairings
Sarmale (stuffed cabbage)Roast duckMushroom ciorbăAged Telemea cheeseGrilled lamb
Notable Producers
- SERVE Terra Romana, founded 1994 - Terra Romana Pinot Noir
- Cramposie Selectionata, founded 1991 - Pinot Noir Reserve
- Davino, founded 2002 - Flamboyant Pinot Noir