Calusari, Pinot Noir 2025

Get to know: Calusari, Pinot Noir 2025

A vibrant and fruity Romanian red wine from Viile Timisului. 

Tasting Note

This Romanian Pinot Noir blends Pinot Noir with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and indigenous Negru de Drăgășani, creating a red that’s juicy, smooth, and packed with character. Deep ruby in colour, it opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and a gentle hint of sweet spice. The palate is fresh and approachable, balancing vibrant red and black fruit flavours with subtle oak influence and soft tannins. The addition of Negru de Drăgășani brings an extra layer of savoury depth and spice, giving this modern Pinot Noir a distinctive Romanian twist and a silky, moreish finish.

Top food pairings:

• Semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego or Comté
• Roast duck or turkey with red berry sauce
• Oven-baked salmon or tuna steak

Kate Says

"If you're looking for a lighter bodied red or a good value Pinot Noir you will love this brilliant Romanian wine. Full of soft black cherry and raspberry fruit, it's a perfect entry point into this noble grape variety."

Producer Info

Cramele Recas began its transformation in 1988 when three families took on 650 hectares of underloved vineyards and a tired, ex-state winery. Today, under the leadership of Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira, Recas has become Romania’s most successful winery, recognised globally for quality and innovation. Combining historic vineyard sites dating back to 1447 with modern winemaking facilities, their approach blends tradition, scale, and creativity – from organic and natural wines to international varietals, all crafted to over-deliver in quality and value.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 85% Pinot Noir, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Negru de Dragasani, 2% Merlot
• 100% estate-grown grapes from the Uberland Hill vineyard
• 25% whole-bunch carbonic maceration for 10 days to enhance fruity aromatics
• 75% destemmed and fermented at 25°C in stainless steel automated fermenters
• 75% of the wine aged for 2 months in French oak (no new oak)
• Non-irrigated vines, vertical shoot positioned trellis, meticulous canopy management

Good to know:

• Region: Viile Timisului, Romania
• Style: Red, still, medium-bodied
• Closure: Screw cap
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 12%
• Vintage: 2025
• Lightweight bottle: Yes

Why we love it:

This Romanian Pinot Noir delivers exceptional value, combining ripe, juicy fruit with a subtle savoury edge. The touch of Fetească Neagră adds depth and personality, making it an easy-drinking yet distinctive red that’s perfect for a variety of dishes or simply enjoyed on its own.