A few Romanian wines have limped into Ontario of late. Should the Trump administration impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods flowing into the United States the Premier of Ontario has threatened to have the state liquor monopoly (Liquor Control Board of Ontario aka LCBO) refrain from selling United States wine in the province of Ontario. What will replace the over representation of California wines on LCBO shelves and warehouses? Romanian, Bulgarian, Slovenian and British Columbian wine will happily take their place and of course Ontario wines. What is good for the goose may be better for a whole bunch of ganders.
We try a Nomad Pinot Noir from the Dealu Mare appellation in Romania.
Aroma: The nose is greeted by a slight funk which often passes under the name “barnyardy” or “earthy”. These distracting fumes partially lift after aeration. A combination of red and black cherry with some minimalistic raspberry.
Palate: Husky rough and raw and golly is this really Pinot Noir? There is no mistaking this is wine but any resemblance, and there is not much, to Pinot Noir must be in the mind of its producers and some poor LCBO buyer.
Personality: This reviewer is humiliating me. A huge liquor monopoly bought many cases of me. Surely they have good taste and judgement? Or are they embarrassed and blushing up a storm caused by this wine?
Food Match: The LCBO suggests “try it with Moroccan-style foods or a simple meat lasagna”. I presume they mean you use it to cook these dishes but do not consume with the dishes.
Cellarbility: Not worth it.
Price: $13.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 59/100.
(Aurelia Visinescu Nomad 2022 Pinot Noir, DOC Dealu Mare, Romania, 750 mL, 13%).
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