Maurt Black D is a Moldovan red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Saperavi, available in a 750ml bottle. What distinguishes this cuvée is the inclusion of Saperavi — a thick-skinned Georgian grape rarely seen in Western-style Bordeaux-influenced blends — adding depth and tannic structure uncommon in its price tier. Quick Facts: ABV: Not widely disclosed | Origin: Codru, Moldova | Style: Dry Red Blend | Producer: Maurt Winery, Nisporeni Production & Heritage Maurt winery operates in Nisporeni, within Moldova's protected geographical indication of Codru — a hilly, forested zone in the country's center known for balanced acidity in its red wines. The Black D blend draws Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Saperavi from vineyards in southern Moldova, where warmer conditions push these varieties to full phenolic ripeness. The wine is produced under what the estate describes as classical technology, indicating traditional vinification without extended maceration or new-oak-heavy regimes. Tasting Notes Aroma: The bouquet opens with concentrated prune and dried dark fruit, followed by a subtle chocolate undertone. There is a brooding, slightly earthy quality consistent with Saperavi's contribution to the blend. Taste: On entry, the wine is rich and full-bodied with a dense, extractive mid-palate. Dark plum and cocoa come through clearly, supported by ripe tannins from both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Saperavi components. The Merlot softens the blend's center, adding a plush, rounded texture before the tannins reassert on the back palate. Finish: The finish is moderately long with lingering dried-fruit sweetness and a dry, slightly bitter chocolate note. Tannins remain present but resolved, leaving a clean, savory close. How to Drink Black D Serve at 16–18°C (61–64°F). Given its full extraction, decanting for 20–30 minutes helps open the aromatics and soften the tannins for neat drinking. A Kalimotxo works here if you want a casual, refreshing serve — the wine's dark-fruit intensity holds up well against cola's sweetness. A classic Mulled Wine benefits from the prune and chocolate base notes, which complement warm spice additions naturally. For a wine-based Sangria, the bold extraction and dark color provide a sturdy backbone that won't wash out with citrus and brandy. Best For Exploring Moldovan wines beyond the mainstream Western European canon Pairing with hearty autumn or winter dinners featuring braised or grilled red meats Introducing friends to the Saperavi grape in an accessible, blended context Building an Eastern European wine tasting flight alongside Georgian and Romanian reds Frequently Asked Questions What does Maurt Black D taste like? Maurt Black D delivers a rich, full-bodied profile dominated by dark prune, dried plum, and a distinctive chocolate undertone, with firm but rounded tannins from the Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. How does Black D compare to Negru de Purcari? Both are Moldovan red blends that include Cabernet Sauvignon and Saperavi, but Negru de Purcari — produced by Purcari winery in the Stefan Vodă region — traditionally uses the rare local grape Rară Neagră instead of Merlot, giving it a more herbaceous and spicy character. Maurt Black D substitutes Merlot for a softer, more fruit-forward mid-palate. Is Black D good for sipping neat? Yes, its dense extraction and layered prune-chocolate profile make it well-suited to neat drinking, especially after brief decanting to let the tannins integrate. Where is Maurt Black D made? It is produced by Maurt winery in Nisporeni, located within the Codru protected geographical indication in central Moldova, using grapes sourced from southern Moldovan vineyards. What foods pair well with Black D? Grilled lamb chops work well, as the wine's tannin structure cuts through the fat. Beef stew or braised short ribs complement the prune and chocolate notes. Hard aged cheeses like Pecorino echo the wine's savory finish. Dark chocolate desserts with 70%+ cacao mirror the cocoa undertones without overwhelming the fruit. Roasted root vegetables, particularly beetroot, highlight the earthy Saperavi character in the blend. What sizes does Black D come in? Maurt Black D is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Black D worth the price? Maurt Black D positions as an entry-level to mid-range Moldovan red, and for the category it delivers notable concentration and complexity — particularly given the uncommon three-grape blend featuring Saperavi alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Why Maurt Black D? The defining feature of this wine is its tri-varietal blend incorporating Saperavi, a grape almost exclusively associated with Georgian winemaking, into a Bordeaux-style framework of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. That combination is genuinely unusual on the international market and gives Black D a tannic backbone and color intensity that pure Cab-Merlot blends at this level rarely achieve. Moldova's Codru region provides a continental climate with enough warmth to ripen all three varieties fully, while retaining the acidity that keeps the wine structured rather than jammy. For drinkers curious about Eastern European wine or looking for full-bodied reds beyond the familiar French, Italian, or New World options, Maurt Black D is a substantive introduction.
