An ancient Carpathian red grape grown in Moldova and Romania, giving a dark, plummy wine. The name means the black maiden’s grape, and it is one of the oldest varieties still in commercial production in the region.
Wine is grown, not cooked, and made in a licensed cellar; there is no kitchen procedure behind it.
What goes into it
- Fetească Neagră grapes
- yeast
- oak
How it is made
The grapes are picked ripe and fermented on their skins for a week or more to draw out colour and tannin, then pressed off and matured — usually in oak for a year or so — before bottling. It is a variety that gives soft tannin and dark fruit rather than structure.
How long it takes: one vintage a year, then a year or more in oak
How it is eaten
With grilled meat, sarmale and aged sheep cheese.
History
An ancient Carpathian red grape grown in Moldova and Romania; the name means the black maiden’s grape.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fetească Neagră?
Fetească Neagră is a wine & spirit from Moldova: native dark-berry red wine. An ancient Carpathian red grape grown in Moldova and Romania; the name means the black maiden’s grape.
How is Fetească Neagră made?
The grapes are picked ripe and fermented on their skins for a week or more to draw out colour and tannin, then pressed off and matured — usually in oak for a year or so — before bottling. It is a variety that gives soft tannin and dark fruit rather than structure. It takes one vintage a year, then a year or more in oak.
Can I make Fetească Neagră at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Wine is grown, not cooked, and made in a licensed cellar; there is no kitchen procedure behind it.
What goes into Fetească Neagră?
Fetească Neagră grapes, yeast, oak.
How is Fetească Neagră eaten?
With grilled meat, sarmale and aged sheep cheese.
