How many grapes do you know that grow on fewer than fifty hectares worldwide? Negru de Drăgășani is one: a young Romanian cross, rare and barely known outside the country. In this Călușari it makes up 56% of the blend. The wine's name refers to the căluș, an old Romanian ritual dance recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage — and the wine has the same energy.

Character

The grapes grow on Dealul Țiganului, one of Cramele Recaș's oldest parcels. Each variety is made separately and brought together at the end by winemaker Nora Iriarte. Negru gives the soft, round red fruit, Cabernet Franc (29%) the powerful fruit behind it, Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) a fine spiciness. Rich and complex, but without sharp edges.

Tasting notes

• Nose and palate — soft, round red fruit from the Negru, backed by the powerful fruit of Cabernet Franc.
• Finish — fine spice from the Cabernet Sauvignon.

How I serve it

Around 17 °C, just below room temperature. The winery suggests a rendang or a good cheese selection, and I'm happy to follow that.

• With a beef rendang or another spicy, slow-cooked meat dish.
• With a cheeseboard of mature cheddar, Stilton and a washed-rind cheese.
• With grilled merguez or lamb skewers.
• With goulash on a cold evening.

What to do with it

This is the bottle for the wine lover who seems to know everything: a grape they've almost certainly never tasted, from a country they probably still have to discover. Bring it to a dinner along with the story of the dancers — you'll be talking wine for the rest of the evening.

Origin & facts

• Grape — Negru de Drăgășani 56%, Cabernet Franc 29%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%
• Origin — DOP Recaș, Dealul Țiganului vineyard, western Romania
• Alcohol — 13,5% vol
• Volume — 75 cl
• Winemaking — from the estate's oldest parcels; each grape is made separately, then blended
• Vegan — yes, according to the label
• Producer — Cramele Recaș, Recaș (Romania) — estate bottled
• Allergens — contains sulphites