Balla Géza, Feketeleányka (Fetească Neagră), 2023, Miniș (DOC)

'One-Liner'
Silky Transylvanian red – ripe dark fruit, gentle spice and an easy, velvety glide.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry and warm spice. The palate is smooth and fruit-led – juicy dark berries with a supple, velvety feel – balanced by fresh acidity and soft tannins; the finish is clean and gently warming. Serve around 16–18 °C.

Country: Romania
Region: Miniș DOC
Sub-Region: Miniș–Măderat
Grape(s): 100% Feketeleányka / Fetească Neagră
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Balla Géza revived the historic Miniș–Măderat area in western Romania, farming vineyards on the slopes east of Arad and focusing on characterful local grapes. The estate (148 ha across Păuliș, Covăsânț, Ghioroc and Cuvin) is known for intensely coloured yet velvety reds shaped by the Miniș terroir. Feketeleányka – known in Romanian as Fetească Neagră – is a long-loved Carpathian Basin variety that thrives here, giving generous dark-fruit flavours with a fine, supple texture.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat: Paprika-rubbed pork with roast peppers and herb potatoes – the wine’s dark-berry fruit and soft spice slot neatly into roasted, paprika-laced flavours.