Vinarte · Castel Bolovanu · Novac Sec · Sâmburești, Romania · 2021

The Moment

This is the bottle you open when you want something familiar yet quietly unexpected — fruit-driven, smooth, and grounded in place. It’s a wine for curious tables, where discovery is part of the pleasure and the glass invites conversation.

What It Feels Like

The nose is generous and immediately expressive — a true fruit basket of ripe cherry, blueberry, and wild berries. Beneath the fruit, softer layers emerge: dark chocolate, caramel, and fine spice, adding warmth without heaviness.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied but fresh and lively. Blueberry and dark fruit carry through cleanly, joined by subtle chocolate tones and a gentle savory edge. The texture is soft and velvety, supported by balanced acidity that keeps the wine moving rather than settling.

The finish is long and firm yet approachable, with lingering fruit, a touch of cocoa, and occasional hints of tobacco that add depth and quiet structure.

Perfect For

Roasted red meats and small game
Hearty, rustic meat dishes
Matured and aged cheeses
Evenings where comfort meets curiosity

The Vibe Pairing

Playlist energy: Eastern European folk-inspired jazz, mellow rock, vinyl evenings
Aura color: Deep ruby, dark berry skin, cocoa powder
Time of day: Dinner → slow plates → one last thoughtful pour

Why We Love It

Novac is a rare Romanian grape — a local crossing that combines depth with approachability — and this 2021 from Castel Bolovanu shows its charm beautifully. Fruit-forward, smooth, and quietly structured, it offers something new without asking for effort. A great introduction to Romania’s modern wine voice.

Chillable & Light · Still Red
(Optional light chill to emphasize freshness.)