This is one of the purest expressions of Negru de Drăgășani grape variety. Produced by a top estate in Drăgășani area, the wine is made in the simplest way, being bottled right after fermentation [“Wines”, n.d.]. Sipping this is one of the few chances to seize the character of this Saperavi – Negru Vârtos crossbreed at a high-quality level [“Romanian Viticulture,” 2015]. Even Prince Știrbey, the winery responsible for this bottling, also makes the Negru de Drăgășani Rezerva, an oak-aged version, now only available for older vintages.

Tasting Notes

Mid purple, much like red ink. Its heady aromas of redcurrant and cranberry are enhanced further by a spicy sniff. This is not as simple as one might expect, given its straightforward winemaking. A slightly mineral character and incipient vegetal notes show through. On the palate, red cherry flavours add to the mixture to create a milder sensation, though the mid-plus tannins aren’t tame as yet. There is a light to medium liquid energized by exuberant acidity, which lingers on and on.

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