Calusari, Pinot Noir, Viile Timisului, Romania 2021

Producer Profile

Named after a secret Romanian fraternal sect whose dance is said to look like they are flying through the air. They were also said to be able to cure the victims of fairies but that, I suspect has more to do with the Romanians love of wine! Calusari grapes are grown in rolling, picturesque vineyards that almost look and feel like Tuscany. Englishman, Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira, have put in a huge amount of work into transforming their land into a modern winemaking haven. The results are outstanding wines that can stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers from around the world.

Viticulture

Planted on the rolling hills in Viile Timisului, the vines were replanted over 12 years ago. Conventional new world viticulture and meticulous canopy management. Grown on a variety of soils, from cracking clay to limestone rich loam. All vineyards are non-irrigated. Trained to vertical shoot postioned trellis with 2 to 4 canes per vine with replacement spurs. Intervine soil management by cultivation.Yields from 5 to 15 tonnes per hectare. 90% mechanical harvested

Winemaking

Crushing and full destemming on all parcels, fermentation in stainless steel 40 to 50 tonne tanks with controlled yeast inoculation at 25-32 deg C for about 5-7 days on the skins with regular automated pumpovers. Pressed with some sugar still present. Ferment finishes off on the skins, centrifugation off gross lees as soon as fermented to dryness followed by natural malolactic fermentation

Oak Treatment

Time: 30 Days; Type: American; % oaked: 45; % new oak: None;

Tasting Note

Light, soft and welcoming nose of autumn fruits. Soft smooth & spicy flavours throughout with generous soft red fruit flavours & a lovely elegant finish.