This is the third vintage of Cramele Recas’s orange wine, naturally made with no corrections or additions, and without doubt the best so far. Enticing nose of freshly sliced/tinned peaches, plus a slight hint of cinnamon and sawdust (not at all disturbing, but a clue that there was some oak ageing)
Fruity on the attack, fresh and slightly briney and with a discernible tannic grip on the finish – nutty and nicely palate-cleansing.
This feels quite a bit more fun than the 2018, which I found bland. It’s certainly fruit-forward, and is designed not to offend anyone – but there are some nice herbal undertones, and overall there is interest and freshness. And the texture is really nice.
Cramele Recas has stopped during any temperature control during fermentation, for this wine – and for my money that’s improved it, compared to the 2017. The fruit also feels far more outspoken than in 2018. Philip Cox, Cramele Recas’ director, says this is due to exceptional vintage conditions in 2019.
This wine will be available in the UK, via Mitchell & Butler pubs.