Alira Winery Concordia Feteasca Neagra Merlot

Alira is an 80-acre boutique winery, located in Dobrogea, on the hills overlooking the banks of the Old Danube. The name ALIRA is a merge between the names of the localities of Aliman and Rasova where vineyards are located and where the wine is born on the banks of the Danube. This is a special place where nature works in favour of man and the only ingredients missing to make a legendary wine were passion and skill.

The wine tradition in the area spreads over millennia, with pieces of evidence dating back to Geto-Dacians times. It was re brought to life in a modern way by the French oenologist Mark Dworkin, who had an intuition regarding the potential of the place. The investments were made with the help of Dr. Karl Hauptmann, a wine enthusiast who shares the vision. They included Alira in an international network of top wine cellars. This family of wineries includes Bulgaria’s Bessa Valley and Chateau 9 Peaks in China, and is guided by a common philosophy of making wine. The winemaker Mark Dworkin has a long-standing experience in the Bordeaux area and has chosen to create characterful wines in Romania which preserve the staple mark of the local terroir.

Feteasca Neagra, Merlot

Dobrogea is one of Romania’s most important regions being the country’s only coastal area and plays host to the world’s second largest river delta, the Danube Delta. It was in Dobrogea that a famous horde of archaeological objects were found which revealed the importance of wine in the ancient cities along the Romanian shore – something that winemakers are fiercely proud of.

The Dobrogea wine region can enjoy up to a whopping 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a perfect destination for growing grapes and making wine. The climate is distinctly warm, but is moderated and cooled by the coastal breeze of the Black Sea. Generally dry climates provide more suitable conditions for organic farming, with many winemakers taking up natural practices.

50% Fetească Neagră and 50% Merlot

50% of the wine was matured in new French oak barrels, while the other half was kept in barrels at the second pass for 11 months.

Ruby red colour with purple reflexes. On the nose, lots of red fruits, dominated by black cherries and blackberries, spices (mint, coconut), notes of balsamic vinegar. On the palate dominating cherries and raspberries but also black chocolate Strong and powerful but round, with fine tannins.

Drink with venison, wild boar and matured hard cheeses.