Umbrele Merlot

Back in 1988, three families decided to invest in a winery in Romania, starting with 650 hectares of slightly unloved vineyards and a rusty, once state-owned winery. Yet Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira, have turned the Cramele Recas Estate into the most successful winery in Romania. Recas are now recognised globally for their impressive scale and breadth of fascinating wines.

A dark violet colour is well complimented by rich aromas of dark fruits, plum and blackberry, with notes of spice and a hint of vanilla. Medium bodied, but full of jammy fruit flavours- black current, even a hint of dark chocolate, with warm tannins and a fine finish. Pair with roast pork.