The Cramele Recas Estate, owned by Englishman, Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira, have put in a huge amount of work into transforming their slice of grape growing history into a contemporary winemaking haven.

The immaculate vineyards are a combination of evolved plantings from 1447 and much more recent plantings too. With recent investments into modernising and improving their winery, they regularly host world class flying winemakers, vintage to vintage, to work with their team. This enables them to create top quality wines and constantly challenge themselves push innovations and approach winemaking with an open mind.

The grapes come from yield reduced vines which average 10 to 15 years. Early in the season workers go through the vineyards and individually cut a percentage of the grapes from the vine and throw them on the floor.

Grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed and pressed at 11 days. Fermentation in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 28°C on the skins. Natural malolactic fermentation with medium toasted french oak staves.

Solevari Reserva Feteasca Neagra is simple a massive revelation. A brilliant spicy nose of black pepper, black berry, black currant and red cherry. A bit pinot noiry! Medium bodied with rich, grippy, very dry tannins but beautifully balanced acidity. A hint of coffee on the finish.