Perfect Simplu Fetească Neagră – Domaine Catleya

Perfect Simplu — “Perfectly Simple” — is a name that captures the philosophy behind this wine: purity, balance, and respect for nature. Crafted entirely from Fetească Neagră, Romania’s signature red grape, it embodies the quiet confidence of a producer who lets the vineyard speak for itself.

The grapes are hand-harvested in small crates and treated with the utmost care from vine to bottle. After a 9-day cold maceration to draw out color and aroma, fermentation begins naturally with wild yeasts, allowing the wine to develop its own rhythm. A 12-day post-fermentation maceration deepens its texture and extracts gentle, well-rounded tannins. The malolactic fermentation also unfolds spontaneously, bringing softness and balance.

Ageing follows a thoughtful path: 12 months in total — 80% in stainless steel to preserve freshness, and 20% in medium-toasted Romanian oak barrels to add subtle spice and structure. The result is an elegant expression of Fetească Neagră that feels both genuine and refined.

In the glass, Catleya Perfect Simplu reveals a luminous ruby color with magenta reflections. The bouquet is delicate yet expressive — violet and black cherry intertwine with hints of fresh-cut herbs and licorice, lifted by a whisper of oak. On the palate, it’s smooth, balanced, and vibrant, with supple tannins and a long, graceful finish.