Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK

In the glass, the Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK displays a deep, almost opaque ruby-red color with violet reflections at the rim. The dense color already suggests concentration and richness. On the nose, an intense bouquet unfolds with ripe blackberries, juicy plum and dark sour cherries. These are joined by smoky tobacco notes, a hint of black pepper and delicate nuances of cocoa and dried herbs.

On the palate, this red wine from Valul lui Traian shows impressive power and richness. The texture is full-bodied yet polished and precise. A dark fruit interplay of blackberry, black cherry and plum spreads across the tongue, accompanied by bitter chocolate, tobacco and subtle roasted nuances. The wine’s dry character emphasizes structure and clarity without creating heaviness.

The acidity is lively and perfectly integrated, lending the wine freshness and vitality. Powerful yet ripe tannins provide grip and backbone, elegantly framing the concentrated fruit. The finish is very long, carried by dark berry fruit, spicy tobacco and a fine mineral undertone that remains present long after the last sip.

The blend of Malbec and Fetească Neagră reveals an exceptional combination of international varietal character and regional profile. Malbec contributes depth, color and ripe dark fruit, while Fetească Neagră provides spice, structure and a distinctive, independent aromatic character. The result is a red wine with a modern appeal and a clear signature of origin.

The grapes come from the Valul lui Traian wine-growing region in southern Moldova. This area has a long winemaking tradition and is regarded as one of the country’s most exciting red-wine regions. The combination of abundant sunshine, moderate nights and well-drained soils gives the grapes ripe aromas, intense color and impressive concentration. The wine carries the protected geographical indication PGI, representing clearly defined origin and consistent quality.

• Color: deep ruby red with violet reflections
• Aromas: blackberry, plum, sour cherry, tobacco, herbs, cocoa
• Palate: dry, powerful, fruit-driven, spicy
• Texture: full-bodied, dense, yet elegant
• Finish: very long, fruity and spicy, with mineral undertones

1. Grape varieties: Malbec, Fetească Neagră
2. Origin: Valul lui Traian, Moldova
3. Vinification: stainless steel tank
4. Alcohol content: 13.0% by volume
5. Closure: cork

Production of the Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră

The vines for the Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK are located in the southern Moldovan wine-growing region of Valul lui Traian. This area benefits from a moderate continental climate with warm summers and sufficient temperature differences between day and night. As a result, the vineyards receive intense sunlight, while cooler nights promote aroma development and preserve freshness.

The soils are diverse, comprising calcareous layers, clay components and well-drained slopes. This combination gives the grapes concentration, structure and delicate mineral nuances. Malbec in particular responds to such soils with dense color and a deep fruit core, while Fetească Neagră emphasizes its spicy, elegant side here.

The harvest is carried out carefully and selectively so that only fully ripe, aromatically concentrated grapes arrive in the cellar. This is the only way to create a wine that clearly reflects its original character and provenance. After harvesting, the grapes are quickly transported to the NOVAK winery, where each batch is handled with care.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. This vinification method enables highly precise temperature control and preserves the pure fruit character of blackberry, plum and sour cherry. At the same time, the varietal spicy notes and powerful tannin structure unfold without dominant oak influence.

During fermentation, the must remains on the skins for an extended period. This process promotes the extraction of color, aroma and tannin without compromising the wine’s elegance. After fermentation, the blend continues to mature in tank, allowing the components of Malbec and Fetească Neagră to combine harmoniously and the tannins to appear smoother.

The style of the NOVAK winery combines modern cellar technology with a clear commitment to origin. The wines embody concentration, presence and authenticity without seeming overloaded. The Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK is exemplary of this philosophy: powerful, aromatically complex, yet precise and clearly structured.

Serving Suggestions for the Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră

The dark fruit, spicy tobacco notes and powerful structure of this red wine pair exceptionally well with hearty dishes. In particular, red meat dishes, braised dishes and spicy foods receive an impressive accompaniment from this wine.

• Grilled beef, entrecôte or roast beef
• Leg of lamb with an herb crust or braised lamb shank
• Game dishes such as venison, deer or wild boar with a dark sauce
• Braised dishes, ragouts and goulash with intense seasoning
• Aged hard cheeses and spicy semi-hard cheeses
• Vegetarian cuisine with mushroom ragout, roasted vegetables and rich sauces

As a food pairing, this red wine reveals its strengths at leisurely dinners, festive family celebrations or stylish dinner parties. It is also well suited to a cozy evening by the fireplace or a sophisticated meal with friends. The impressive finish also makes the wine an ideal companion for long conversations and special moments of indulgence.

The optimum serving temperature is between 15 and 18 °C. Within this range, the wine reveals its full aromatic depth, dense fruit and finely structured tannins. Brief aeration in a decanter enhances the blend’s complexity and expression.

When stored appropriately in a cool, dark room at a preferably constant temperature, the wine develops additional maturity. Over time, the tannins become rounder, the fruit evolves toward dried berries and dried plums, while the spicy and mineral notes gain depth. The Larga Valley Malbec / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK is therefore suitable both for immediate enjoyment and for medium-term storage, which reveals further nuances and facets.

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