Those who consider Romania new to the wine world are mistaken. It's a country with a long history. Research shows that winemaking has a tradition of over 6,000 years. The climate is continental, more temperate around the Danube, and even milder in the Black Sea coastal region. Numerous soil types exist, but the highly fertile brown and black soils are predominant.
The modern Cramele Recas winery is run by Australian Hartley Smithers and Spanish Nora Iriate. The vinification facilities are modern and efficient, which greatly enhances the quality of the wine. Romanian wines are becoming increasingly popular, thanks in part to the increasing number of international awards they have won. The grapes are harvested with the utmost care. Only the finest juice is good enough to bear the Calusari label. Therefore, the winemakers take their time during the production process. After harvesting, the grapes are crushed and destemmed. After fermentation, fifty percent of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for three months.
The result of this Calusari Chardonnay is a ripe and fruity wine. It boasts aromas of mango, peach, and toast. It's full-bodied and buttery with a hint of tropical fruit. It has an accessible character with a clean and refreshing finish. Enjoy this ripe Chardonnay with fresh chicken salads or simply as an aperitif!
