The exceptional wines produced at DeMatei Winery have received their well-deserved international recognition over the past year – an important milestone both for the producer and for the entire Romanian wine industry.
With ten wines rated above 90 points by the renowned critic James Suckling, among which Matei 2020 achieved a record score of 95 points, DeMatei Winery, part of the Vintruvian Estates group, positions itself among the top quality producers in Romania.
Congratulations to the Vintruvian group! We invite you to also read the producer’s official statement below:
DE MATEI WINERY ACHIEVES THE HIGHEST HISTORIC SCORE FOR A ROMANIAN WINE AT JAMES SUCKLING: MATEI 2020 – 95 POINTS!
Dealu Mare, Romania – September 17, 2025 – De Matei Winery, part of the Vintruvian Estates group, marks a significant milestone in the history of Romanian wine with the remarkable scores received in the prestigious evaluations of world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
With a total of 10 wines rated between 91 and 95 points, De Matei Winery sets a new national benchmark and places the Dealu Mare terroir alongside the world’s most prestigious wine regions, such as Bordeaux and Tuscany.
Historic Scores Achieved
The performance of De Matei Winery reflects excellence achieved through dedication and innovation, with the following results:
• Matei 2020 – 95 points (the highest score ever awarded to a Romanian wine at James Suckling).
• Migala Red 2020 – 94 points.
• Patima Fetească Neagră – 93 points.
• Patima Cabernet Sauvignon – 93 points.
• Patima Merlot – 93 points.
• Patima Tămâioasă Românească – 92 points.
• Migala White – 92 points.
• Patima Fetească Albă – 91 points.
• Patima Fetească Regală – 91 points.
• Rosturi White – 91 points.
For more details on the scores, please visit: www.vintruvianestates.com/james-suckling
These scores, evaluated on Suckling’s 100-point scale – where 95+ denotes a “must buy” (A+) and 90+ an “outstanding purchase” (A) – underline a rare balance between the heritage of old vines (over 40 years) from Tegăneanu, Zorilor, and Dumbala hills, and the state-of-the-art technology we have recently invested in. It is both recognition of our work and a confirmation of the aging potential of our wines, demonstrated since the first Prince Matei vintage in 1998.
Performance Context
This success adds to an exceptional year for the winery: titles of Romanian Winery of the Year and Romanian Wine of the Year (for Patima Fetească Albă 2024, with 95 points and a Gold Medal) at the London Wine Competition 2025. De Matei Winery earned six medals at this contest – including Gold for Migala 2024 – contributing to the 10 medals won by Vintruvian Estates, out of a total of 19 awarded to Romania.
The jury, composed of 10 Masters of Wine, 5 Master Sommeliers, and 10 leading UK wine buyers, appreciated the authenticity and quality of our wines. This recognition also led to our invitation as the first Romanian winery to join the traveling exhibition Great Wines of the World Miami 2025, organized by James Suckling.
About De Matei Winery
De Matei Winery represents a unique terroir of 80 hectares in the Dealu Mare region, where tradition meets innovation. With a history spanning more than two decades, marked by the Prince Matei vintages starting in 1998, we are dedicated to preserving old vines and applying precision winemaking technology. Each wine reflects our respect for nature, human craftsmanship, and a vision oriented toward the future.
About James Suckling
James Suckling, 66, is one of the most influential wine critics in the world, whose reviews are valued by enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals globally. President and editor of JamesSuckling.com – the Hong Kong-based media platform that organizes international wine events – Suckling has evaluated nearly 250,000 wines throughout his career.
In 2024 alone, his team rated over 42,000 labels, offering not only scores but also visual and narrative insights about the place, people, and potential of each wine. Using the 100-point scale for almost 40 years, Suckling appreciates both immediate drinking pleasure and the long-term evolution potential of wines.
Contact: Mirela Caracote, Marketing Manager Email: mirela.caracote@viaviticola.ro
Phone number: 0766.248.004 https://www.vintruvianestates.com/cramadematei
De Matei Winery – Where tradition becomes a living story.
