2024 Cramele Recas Calusari Merlot

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.

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 pump overs. 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 lead on to a lovely juicy smooth palate with crisp crunchy acidity, medium body, round active tannins and with a slightly spicy finish.

Food match: Ripened and semi-hard cheeses or roast pork or veal dishes.