Folclor Saperavi / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK

In the glass, the Folclor Saperavi / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK displays a deep, dense ruby red with a violet shimmer at the rim. Its intensely colored appearance creates anticipation and prepares the palate perfectly for the aromatic experience.

The nose reveals an intense interplay of ripe red fruits and oriental spice. Strawberries and raspberries emerge first, followed by redcurrant, which contributes a delicate freshness. Notes of cinnamon and cloves join in, lending the bouquet a sensual, almost mysterious depth. With a little air, subtle hints of dark cherry and a touch of dried herbs develop, rounding out the overall impression.

On the palate, the wine is powerful yet elegant. Its dense texture spreads velvety across the tongue, while the fresh, well-integrated acidity provides lively tension. The tannins are ripe, firm and finely polished, giving the wine structure without ever seeming harsh. The flavor remains clearly aligned with the fruity and spicy character of the bouquet, with juicy red berry fruit, a touch of cherry and refined spice reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves and a little black pepper.

The style of the wine reveals a harmonious balance between power and finesse. Its structure is dense, with impressive aromatic concentration, while the texture remains smooth and inviting. The fruity intensity carries through into the long finish, where the red fruits and warm, spicy component make another striking appearance.

The blend of Saperavi and Fetească Neagră brings out the best of both grape varieties from Moldova. Saperavi contributes depth, color and powerful structure, while Fetească Neagră provides elegant fruit, delicate spice and a distinctive regional character. The protected designation of origin Valul lui Traian in southern Moldova provides the perfect setting for these grape varieties, allowing them to express their full potential.

• Wine color: intense ruby red with a violet shimmer
• Aroma: strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant, cinnamon, cloves
• Flavor: dry, fruity and spicy, dense and structured
• Texture: velvety, powerful, with ripe tannins
• Finish: long-lasting, fruit-driven and spicy

1. Grape varieties: Saperavi and Fetească Neagră
2. Origin: Valul lui Traian, Moldova
3. Vinification: stainless steel tank and large wooden cask
4. Wine style: powerful, elegant, fruity and spicy
5. Closure: traditional cork

Production of the Folclor Saperavi / Fetească Neagră by NOVAK

The grapes for the Folclor Saperavi / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK come from the protected area of Valul lui Traian in southern Moldova. The climate features warm, sunny summers and relatively mild autumns, which encourage the slow, complete ripening of the berries. During the day, the intense sunshine promotes rich aromatic development, while cooler nights preserve the freshness and clarity of the fruit.

The soils in this region consist primarily of limestone, clay and sandy components. This diversity provides the vines with an excellent foundation for deep-reaching roots and, consequently, pronounced aromatic complexity in the grapes. The mineral influence is reflected in the wine through clear contours and precise structure.

The grapes are harvested selectively, with fruit from particularly favorable parcels sent to the cellar. Saperavi and Fetească Neagră reach a high level of physiological ripeness, which explains the dense body and high color extract. The grapes are handled gently upon arrival in the cellar to keep the skins intact and preserve the aromatic quality of the blend.

Fermentation takes place under temperature control in stainless steel tanks. This method preserves the clear fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant while supporting the wine’s freshness. A portion of the wine then matures in a large wooden cask with a capacity of approximately 5,000 liters. This traditional aging method contributes a fine, restrained note of wood, softens the tannins and adds further complexity.

The combination of stainless steel tank and large wooden cask aging produces a red wine with pronounced fruit, structured spice and impressive length. The NOVAK house style emphasizes authentic origin and the distinctive character of the grape varieties. Every cellar decision is guided by expression, clarity and elegance, resulting in a wine that is interpreted in a modern way while remaining deeply rooted in regional tradition.

Serving recommendations for the Folclor Saperavi / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK

The wine accompanies a wide range of flavorful dishes from hearty cuisine. Its dense body and fruity, spicy character harmonize particularly well with robust dishes featuring roasted aromas and pronounced seasoning.

• Beef or lamb stews with herbs
• Grilled steaks with pepper sauce or herb butter
• Oriental dishes with cinnamon, cloves or cumin
• Spicy cured meats and mature hard cheeses
• Roasted vegetables with Mediterranean herbs and olive oil

As an accompaniment to food, the wine is ideal for convivial evenings with friends, stylish dinners or special family celebrations. Around a long table with multiple courses, the blend reveals all its charm and complements the meal from the savory opening course through to the spiced main dish.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the wine achieves a perfect balance of fruit, spice and supple structure. Decanting further supports the development of the aromas, particularly in young bottles whose tannin structure is still pronounced.

In a cellar or a cool, dark storage room with a consistent temperature, the wine shows an intriguing evolution over several years. Over time, the fresh berry fruit recedes somewhat, while the spicy and tertiary notes gain depth. The result is a red wine that offers great drinking pleasure now while also suggesting appealing aging potential.

With its combination of intense fruit, fine spice, dense structure and long finish, the Folclor Saperavi / Fetească Neagră - NOVAK embodies the modern, sophisticated side of Moldovan red wines and makes a distinctive statement in the glass on every occasion.

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