Red Blend #1 - NOVAK

A deep ruby red with violet highlights flows into the glass and promises concentrated enjoyment. The Red Blend #1 - NOVAK reveals an impressive bouquet of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants, interwoven with nuances of dark chocolate, fine tobacco and a hint of leather. Subtle toasted aromas from the barriques frame the bouquet, lending the wine depth and enticing spice.

On the palate, the cuvée is multilayered yet clearly structured. Juicy dark berry fruit meets delicate notes of cocoa, espresso and fine oak. The tannins are polished and, together with lively, well-integrated acidity, provide tension and length. The mouthfeel remains silky, smooth and flowing, yet powerful, while the finish carries hints of cassis, tobacco leaf and a touch of smoke.

The Red Blend #1 - NOVAK presents itself as a modern, characterful red wine cuvée from Moldova. The grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rara Neagra and Saperavi combine to form a harmonious whole:

• Red Blend #1 - NOVAK: red wine cuvée with PGI status from Valul lui Traian
• Cabernet Sauvignon: backbone, structure and dark fruit
• Merlot: fullness, juiciness and flattering texture
• Rara Neagra: regional identity, spicy nuances and accents of red fruit
• Saperavi: intense colour, power and deep berry aromas

The style is inspired by international premium cuvées, yet remains firmly rooted in its Moldovan origins. The combination of stainless-steel tank ageing and maturation in 225-litre French oak barriques creates a balance between fruit, finesse and subtle oak influence.

1. Dense colour and silky, powerful texture
2. Layered aromas of berries, chocolate and tobacco
3. Harmonious cuvée of international and regional grape varieties
4. Structured tannins, precise acidity and a long finish

Production of Red Blend #1 - NOVAK

The grapes for this red wine cuvée come from the Valul lui Traian wine-growing region in southwestern Moldova. The area benefits from a continental climate with warm summers and cool nights. These temperature variations promote intense aromatic development and preserve freshness in the finished wine. Influences from the nearby Black Sea and constant winds favour grapes with concentrated fruit.

The vineyards are rooted in soils with a high proportion of limestone, clay and individual sandy inclusions. This combination provides the vines with minerality, good drainage and sufficient water retention. As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot gain power and structure, while Rara Neagra and Saperavi develop their characteristic spice and colour intensity.

The grapes are harvested selectively, parcel by parcel, to obtain only fully ripe and aromatic grapes for the Red Blend #1 - NOVAK. Each grape variety is brought separately into the cellar, where gentle processing preserves the character of each variety. Careful maceration extracts deep colour, dense fruit and finely defined tannins from the grape skins.

After fermentation, some of the lots mature in stainless-steel tanks, while others age in small French oak barriques with a capacity of 225 litres. Maturation in stainless steel protects the pure fruit character, while the oak lends the wine structure, subtle vanilla and toasted aromas, as well as greater complexity. The individual components are then carefully blended to create the final cuvée.

The producer’s style is clearly distinctive: an expressive, modern red wine with international aspirations that emphasises Moldova’s individuality. Precise vineyard work, targeted yield reduction and sensitivity in the cellar result in a red wine that combines fullness, elegance and intriguing spice.

Serving Suggestions for Red Blend #1 - NOVAK

This cuvée accompanies a wide variety of savoury dishes. Particularly appealing pairings include grilled meat, braised dishes and flavour-rich creations from modern cuisine.

• Grilled beef, rib-eye steak or entrecôte
• Lamb rack with a herb crust or slowly braised leg of lamb
• Braised beef shoulder, veal cheeks or oxtail ragout
• Game dishes such as venison ragout or venison medallions
• Mature hard cheeses, spicy soft cheeses and robust mountain cheeses
• Pasta with ragù, lasagne or gnocchi with mushroom ragout
• Chocolate desserts with a high cocoa content

The Red Blend #1 - NOVAK accompanies festive menus, special evenings for two and enjoyable gatherings with friends. It also reveals its character calmly as a contemplative wine after a meal. An elegantly set table, candlelight and fine glasses underscore its sophisticated presence.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. Slightly chilling the wine before serving refreshes its structure and accentuates its fruit, spice and finesse. Before drinking, it is advisable to allow some time in an open glass or decanter so that the multilayered interplay of aromas can fully unfold.

When stored properly, the wine develops additional ageing and secondary aromas. A cool, dark room with a constant temperature is particularly suitable. Ideally, the bottles should be stored horizontally so that the cork remains in contact with the wine. In this way, the Red Blend #1 - NOVAK remains an intriguing companion for sophisticated moments of enjoyment for years to come.

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