Negru de Drăgășani is a red grape indigenous to Romania but its parentage and age are not fully known. It was thought that one parent was Saperavi, a red grape from the Republic of Georgia, but recent data shows that evidence may not be consistent with this thought. It was also believed that Negru de Drăgășani was a newer cross created in the 1990s. It is rare and only grown in Romania. The wines made from this grape are known for their soft tannins with notes of dark fruit and spice. There is a considerable amount of restrained excitement around the potential of this grape in the future.
The wine I drank this week was a 2022 Olterra Luteri. This wine is 100% Negru de Drăgășani. It is a medium ruby color with aromas of bramble fruit such as blackberry and black currant, in addition to black cherry, dark chocolate and chalk. This dry, full bodied wine was high in alcohol with a significant level of acid. The ample tannins were velvety in texture. The black fruit notes are bold on the palate and slowly fade on the extended finish. This wine would pair well with aged cheeses, grilled steak, or rich dishes like lasagna and stews.
-TheLooseTannin
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 