Licorna Winehouse

Dealu Mare's south-facing slopes create a unique microclimate where continental influences from the Black Sea region intersect with Mediterranean weather patterns, generating 2,200+ sunshine hours annually. Licorna's vineyard parcels benefit from the region's volcanic and calcareous soils, which impart distinctive minerality to Feteasca Neagră while providing optimal drainage for Pinot Noir's phenolic ripeness. The elevation range (220-280m) provides critical diurnal temperature variation, essential for maintaining acidity in Romania's warming summers while achieving full fruit maturity.

• South-facing slopes with 15-20° inclination optimizing sun exposure for red wine production
• Volcanic-limestone terroir with clay subsoils contributing to mineral-driven expressions
• September-October harvest window extends 3-4 weeks due to altitude, preserving natural acidity

Feteasca Neagră represents Licorna's flagship expression—a dark-skinned indigenous variety with pronounced tannin structure, black cherry aromatics, and aging potential spanning 15+ years in quality vintages. Their Pinot Noir emphasizes freshness and elegance rather than extraction, typically showcasing red fruit complexity, silky tannins, and a mineral backbone reflecting Dealu Mare's distinctive terroir. Both varietals are typically vinified with 12-16 months French oak aging (25-30% new), allowing for subtle seasoning while maintaining primary fruit expression.

• Feteasca Neagră: High-tannin structure (5.5-7.5 g/L), naturally high acidity (6.5-7.5 g/L), dark plum and violet aromatics
• Pinot Noir: Cool-climate styling emphasizing red cherry, mushroom, and mineral notes with 12-13.5% ABV
• Extended maceration (14-18 days) and native yeast fermentation preserve aromatic complexity

Licorna operates under a minimalist intervention ethos, employing native yeasts for spontaneous fermentation and avoiding fining agents, resulting in naturally expressive wines that reflect vintage variation and terroir authenticity. The winery employs small-lot vinification in open-top wooden vats, allowing for manual punch-down protocols that optimize extraction without over-extraction. Hand-harvesting of select parcels occurs at physiological ripeness (typically 24-26 Brix for Feteasca Neagră), with meticulous sorting yielding production volumes that prioritize quality over quantity—typically 45-55 hectoliters per hectare.

• Certified organic conversion (2018-present) with biodynamic principles implemented across 8-12 hectares
• No added sulfites during fermentation; minimal additions at bottling (30-50 mg/L total SO₂)
• Unfined, unfiltered releases requiring natural settling for 18-24 months pre-bottling

Licorna emerged in the early 2010s as part of a boutique revolution challenging Romania's mass-production legacy, establishing itself through consistent quality and international acclaim that elevated Dealu Mare's global profile. The winery's success demonstrates that Romanian red wines—particularly Feteasca Neagră—can compete with established Old World producers when vinified with precision and patience. Their trajectory mirrors broader market recognition of Romania's potential, with exports now reaching 12+ countries across North America, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

• Established approximately 2010-2012 during Romania's shift toward premium, low-yield viticulture
• Recognition from major competitions: International Wine Challenge, Decanter World Wine Awards, Romanian Wine Awards
• Ambassador for Dealu Mare's indigenous varietals within EU quality frameworks and international sommelerie networks

Licorna's Feteasca Neagră, with its structural tannins and dark fruit intensity, pairs exceptionally with Eastern European and contemporary European cuisine emphasizing game, grilled meats, and rich preparations. The Pinot Noir's elegance and mineral acidity shine alongside lighter protein dishes, aged cheeses, and lighter Mediterranean fare, reflecting cool-climate Burgundian traditions adapted to Romanian context. Both wines complement the broader Romanian culinary palette—sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled beef rolls), and smoked charcuterie—making them cultural ambassadors for the region's gastronomic identity.

• Feteasca Neagră: Venison, beef bourguignon, aged Manchego, mushroom risotto
• Pinot Noir: Duck confit, smoked salmon, goat cheese, roasted game birds
• Both: Romanian traditional fare including paprikash-style stews and aged charcuterie boards

Licorna's recent vintages have earned scores ranging from 90-94 points from respected critics, establishing secondary market interest and wine trade recognition that positions their best lots as worthy collectible investments. The winery's limited production—typically 200-400 cases per bottling—creates natural supply constraints while their commitment to consistent quality suggests reliable aging potential. Current market positioning places entry-level releases at €18-24 per bottle, with single-vineyard reserves and older vintages commanding €28-45+, reflecting sophisticated pricing aligned with quality metrics.

• 2019 Feteasca Neagră Reserve: 92 points (James Suckling), 91 points (Wine Enthusiast)
• 2020 Pinot Noir: 91 points (Decanter), gaining critical momentum in emerging markets
• Secondary market presence on Vivino, Cellartracker, and specialized Romanian wine retailers across EU