Cramele Recas, Orange Natural Wine, Romania 2021

Cramele Recas was founded in 1998 and has made a name for itself making natural, skin-contact wines. This wine is a great entry point for those looking to experience the orange wine phenomenon. Handpicked, organic grapes are fermented on their skins for three weeks, partly in amphorae, then aged for around four months in oak. Aromatic and very Muscat-y, its flavours of apricot, cream, spice and citrus peel are accompanied by floral lift and a soft texture (from the skin contact). Zippy acidity keeps things fresh and fun and makes it a food friendly wine.

An intriguing blend of Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this is an accessible introduction to the orange wine style. Made without added yeast or sulphur, it has a tangy fragrance of quince, citrus and a hint of vanilla, tannic structure and phenolic grip. Keenly priced.