Calusari, Merlot, Viile Timisului, Romania, 2023

Producer Profile

Back in 1988, three families decided to invest in a winery in Romania, starting with 650ha of slightly unloved vineyards and a rusty, formerly state-owned winery. Today, Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira have turned the Cramele Recas Estate into the most successful winery in Romania.

Recas are now recognized globally for their impressive scale and breadth of fascinating wines, including natural and orange wines made from organic grapes. Despite the increase in scale, the emphasis remains on making quality wines that over-deliver – a magic formula that has recently seen sales boom. The vineyards are a combination of old vines and more recent plantings, and the winery has seen significant investment in state of the art facilities. Recas are in every way a modern, dynamic winery whose open-minded approach and quality sets them apart… a winery you can’t ignore.

Viticulture

This wine reflects the passion and expertise of a producer committed to showcasing Romania's unique terroir and winemaking heritage.

Winemaking

Crushing and full destemming on all parcels, fermentation in stainless steel with a controlled yeast inoculation at 25-32degC, about 5-7days on skins with gentle pumpovers. Pressed with some sugar still present for soft tannins. The ferment finishes off skins, racked off gross lees as soon as dry followed by natural malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Note

Cherry red with violet reflexes and exceptional clarity. The intense aromas of red fruits (cherry, currant) lead on to a lovely juicy smooth palate with crisp crunchy acidity, medium body, round active tannins and with a slightly spicy finish.

Food Matching

Ripened and semi-hard cheeses, pork or veal dishes cooked in the oven or grilled, pastrami.