• Country of origin: Romania
• Producer: DeMatei
• Type: red / dry
• Grape variety: Merlot 100%
• Classification: D.O.C. – C.M.D. Dealu Mare / old vines / single vineyard
• Readiness for drinking: 2026~2038
• Price range: 5,000~9,999 Yen
• Limited production: 3,500 bottles
• Bar code: 5941982062509

The Maker

The DeMatei winery owns 80 hectares of old vines around the legendary Teganeanu and Zorilor hills. The vineyard here is one of the most expressive in Romania, offering tremendous potential for high-quality wine production.

The wines produced here have stood the test of time, showcasing remarkable aging potential.

The land, the climate, and the people have created a unique harmony over generations, resulting in exceptional wines.

The label

The visual identity of Crama De Matei is deeply rooted in our respect for nature and its living creatures, reflecting a philosophy that honors the interconnectedness of life. Each vineyard parcel embodies its own micro-universe, shaped by the unique forces of nature. This approach ensures that our vineyards flourish, giving rise to a collection of wines with distinct, personal characteristics—Patima după Matei.

The pathway that divides the hill symbolizes the coexistence of different worlds, each contributing to a harmonious whole. On one side of the path, trees with sharp crowns stand tall; on the other, their crowns are rounded. These contrasting landscapes host two symbolic creatures: the hare, representing fertility and agility, and the hedgehog, embodying the slow passage of time, an essential element in crafting exceptional wines. At the end of the path, beside the hedgehog, stands its young—an enduring reminder of the traditions passed down through generations.

At the top of the hill is a house, representing our winery. From this vantage point, we oversee the delicate balance of this universe, safeguarding its harmony and ensuring its prosperity for years to come

James Suckling Awards This Wine 93 Points!

World-renowned wine critic and former Wine Spectator editor, James Suckling, has given this wine an outstanding score of 93 points.

Accolades

James Suckling: 93 points

Tasting Notes

Appearance

A striking deep ruby color with a radiant, vibrant sheen.

Nose

An exceptionally rich and complex bouquet unfolds, with dominant notes of violets, ripe cherries, sour cherries, and blackcurrants. Subtle layers of cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, and coffee add depth. While aromas from bottle aging are still developing, they promise exciting evolution. Though not yet at its peak, the wine’s intensity and aromatic richness are already mesmerizing.

Palate

This full-bodied wine is dry with a high alcohol content, delivering a robust structure supported by ample acidity and firm tannins. Ripe fruit and cocoa flavors take center stage, creating a bold and satisfying experience. The impressive depth and long finish suggest further refinement over the next 10~15 years, highlighting its exceptional premier vineyard origins.

Food Pairing

A perfect companion for teppanyaki-style beef, roasted lamb, aged cheeses, or desserts featuring dark chocolate. This wine enhances every dish it accompanies, making it an ideal choice for memorable occasions.

Service

Serving temperature: 16~18°C.

Decanting enhances the wine’s flavors and aromas. Recommended decanting time: approximately 2 hours before serving.

Basic Information

• Alcohol by volume: 14.70%
• Residual sugar: 0.81 g/l
• Acidity: 6.10 g/l
• Body: full
• Bottle volume: 750 ml
• Closure: natural cork
• Limited edition: 3,500 bottles
• Bottle size: 301 mm x 79 mm
• Bottle weight: 1,350 g
  
• Bottles per case: 6
• Case size: 160 mm x 305 mm x 240 mm
• Case weight: 8,200 g

Vineyard

• Ingredients: grapes
• Region: Muntenia
• Wine region: Hills of Muntenia and Oltenia 
• Podgorie: Dealu Mare
• Village: Zorești
• Vineyard: Dealul Tegăneanu
• Vineyard age: 43 years (planted in 1982)
• Surface: 8.57 Ha
• Soil: The soil on which the vineyard plots are located is a reddish-brown clay loam (argiluvisol), ranging from moderately to heavily eroded. Its texture is defined by a clay content of 19~25%, offering excellent water retention and aeration for the root mass. Traces of calcium carbonate are also present, with active lime content below 1% at a depth of 0~60 cm. These characteristics provide optimal conditions for producing high-quality wines.
• Altitude: 180~200 m
• Latitude: 45°N
• Aspect: S-E
• Annual rainfall: 500~550 mm
• Average annual temperature: 11.6°C
• Average summer temperature: 23.8°C
• Average winter temperature: 0.5°C
• Yield: 3.0 t/Ha
• Harvesting method: manual
• Vineyard owner: DeMatei
• Vineyard manager: Mr. Marius NAE
• Vineyard consultant: Paul FULEA

Winemaking

• Production place: DeMatei
• Fermentation vessel: temperature-controlled stainless steel tank
• Fermentation period: 14 days
• Fermentation temperature: 28°C
• Malolactic conversion vessel: stainless steel tank
• Malolactic conversion period: 14 days
• Maturing: Oak barrels for 1 year
• Winemaker: Cătălin NAE
• Bottling place: DeMatei
• Bottling date: Listed on the bottle

Import Information

• Importer: Daniel's Wine Club
• Import method: Maritime import
• Import route: DeMatei ⇨ Daniel's Wine Club
• Quality control method: Temperature-controlled containers

Storage Information

• Seller: Daniel's Wine Club
• Storage place: Daniel's Wine Club Yokohama
• Storage temperature: 16~18°C

Gifts, wrapping, noshi

You can find gift boxes, along with packaging and noshi (traditional Japanese ceremonial wrapping) options, on the "Accessories and Gifts" page.

If you’d like to add a personal touch to your gift, we can also include a card or message in the package. Please feel free to contact us if you need assistance. We will do our best to ensure your gift arrives in perfect condition.

Before you place an order, make sure you check out the shipping policy.

For online orders, you will receive automated notifications and electronic receipts, which can be used for accounting purposes. Upon request, we can include a printed receipt in the package. More details here.

For orders placed outside of the online store, issuing a receipt incurs an additional fee of 110 yen.