Rară Neagră: Vintruvian Estates Launches Three Expressions of an Authentic Romanian Grape Variety

Discover Vintruvian Estates’ ambitious strategy for Rară Neagră – rosé, red and sparkling, sourced from Romania’s largest area of noble vines

The Romanian wine industry is witnessing a steady reappraisal of its indigenous grape varieties, and Rară Neagră – also known in some regions as Băbească Neagră – is determined to prove that it is one of Romania’s most versatile red grapes. Alin Lăzărescu, General Director of Vintruvian Estates, reveals the plan he has put into practice over the past seven years: transforming Rară Neagră into a distinctive brand, featured in the Manuscris portfolio in three complementary styles – white, rosé and sparkling rosé. In the near future, Rară Neagră will also be available across the other ranges of Via Viticola Sarica Niculițel – Volumul I, Volumul II and Princeps.

Rară Neagră – a Romanian grape with international potential

“Rară Neagră is a Romanian grape variety, just like Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală or Negru de Drăgășani,” explains Alin Lăzărescu. The decision to invest in this indigenous variety was taken seven years ago, when the Vintruvian Estates team planted the first dedicated vineyards, with the clear objective of vinifying the grape in at least three styles: red, rosé and sparkling rosé.

The Vintruvian Group currently owns the largest planted area of Rară Neagră in Romania, according to available information, further strengthening its position in the promotion and valorisation of local grape varieties.

The characteristics of Rară Neagră

Rară Neagră (also known as Băbească Neagră in certain regions) is an indigenous Romanian noble grape variety, mainly cultivated in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country. The name “rară” does not refer to rarity, but to the morphological characteristics of the bunches, which have loosely spaced berries.

The grape shows remarkable adaptability to different winemaking styles, which is one of the key reasons Vintruvian Estates chose to invest heavily in it.

From an oenological perspective, Rară Neagră offers:

• High natural acidity, essential for rosé and sparkling wines
  
  
• Moderate tannins, allowing for elegant vinifications
  
  
• A fruity aromatic profile, with notes of fresh red fruits
  
  
• Potential for maturation in oak

These characteristics have enabled the winemaking team led by Alin Lăzărescu to create three distinct wine profiles from the same grape variety, each suited to different consumption occasions. Moreover, as a first for Via Viticola Sarica Niculițel, part of the Vintruvian Estates group, a white vinification of Rară Neagră was also produced from the 2025 harvest.

The Manuscris Collection – three expressions of Rară Neagră

The Manuscris Collection is part of the Vintruvian Group’s premium ranges, where each label is built on principles of consistent quality and authentic expression of the local terroir.

Rară Neagră Rosé 2025

The first of the three expressions launched is the rosé from the 2025 vintage – an excellent year that allowed the grape’s character to fully express itself. Rosé-style vinification highlights the freshness and elegance of Rară Neagră.

The sensory profile of Rară Neagră Rosé is defined by intense aromas of strawberries, raspberries and floral notes, vibrant acidity that brings freshness and versatility in food pairings, and a long finish with citrus accents.

In other words, a wine that responds perfectly to the growing demand for high-quality rosés on both the Romanian and international markets, where consumers are seeking alternatives to classic rosés from Provence or Languedoc.

Rară Neagră Red 2023

The red expression of Rară Neagră from the 2023 vintage represents the classic style of the grape. After two years of maturation in large wooden vessels (5,000-litre oak vats), the wine reveals its true potential – structure, complexity and versatility.

The result is a red wine with medium to full body, well-integrated tannins, and an aromatic profile combining ripe red fruits with spicy notes and tertiary nuances developed during ageing.

For consumers, Rară Neagră Red pairs beautifully with red meat dishes, grilled foods or aged cheeses – classic pairings that highlight the wine’s structure and balanced acidity. And as we are approaching the festive season, it is worth mentioning that this wine also works exceptionally well with seasonal starters or even traditional sarmale, provided the recipe includes a generous proportion of meat.

Rară Neagră Sparkling Rosé 2025

The launch of the Rară Neagră Sparkling Rosé, scheduled for next week, completes the Manuscris trilogy.

The naturally high acidity of Rară Neagră is a major advantage in the production of sparkling wines, allowing for an excellent balance between freshness and aromatic breadth without major cellar adjustments. In fact, Sarica Niculițel has seen other “creative” surprises over time as well, including a sparkling wine made from Aligoté – a variety generally considered neutral, yet one that has found a particularly expressive voice in Dobrogea.

The development cycle: from planting to launch

The strategy implemented by Vintruvian Estates illustrates the professional approach required in modern viticulture:

Years 0–3: Vine planting and the juvenile phase, during which the vineyard requires intensive care but does not produce grapes suitable for commercial winemaking.

Years 4–6: Entry into production and the first experimental vinifications, allowing the winemaking team to understand the grape’s potential and to test different winemaking protocols.

Year 7+: Commercial launch, with consistent volumes and well-defined oenological profiles.

Under current market conditions, this seven-year cycle is not a luxury but a necessity. Developing a premium wine brand – especially one based on indigenous grape varieties – requires patience, sustained investment, research and development, openness to experimentation, and a clear strategic vision.

Indigenous grape varieties in the Romanian market context

Romania has numerous registered indigenous grape varieties, but only a few – most notably Fetească Neagră – have managed to establish a presence on the international market.

Rară Neagră is set to enter a phase of active development in the near future, as producers experiment and invest in order to demonstrate the grape’s commercial potential. By owning approximately 10% of the total planted area of Rară Neagră in Romania, Vintruvian Estates became an important ambassador for this variety.

On the international market, wines made from indigenous grape varieties enjoy a clear competitive advantage: uniqueness. In a world saturated with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay, sophisticated consumers are looking for new experiences, and Romanian indigenous varieties offer precisely this kind of differentiation.

Rară Neagră’s key advantage lies in the in-depth understanding of the grape – its potential and its characteristics – positioning it as a compelling alternative for Pinot Noir lovers. With a lighter colour, a supple structure, yet rich in subtlety and complex detail, Rară Neagră is well on its way to becoming Romania’s answer to Pinot Noir.
Moreover, for the future development of these grape varieties, a collaboration is planned with a team of experts from Burgundy, specialising in the production of high-quality Pinot Noir.

Rară Neagră on the international market

Wines made from Rară Neagră will be available in restaurants and specialised wine shops outside Romania, and the Manuscris range will take part in international wine competitions alongside the other wines of the Vintruvian Estates Group.

“It will be present at all the competitions where the other wines of the Vintruvian Group are entered as well,” confirms Alin Lăzărescu, emphasising the ambition to position Rară Neagră at international competition standards.

Participation in major international competitions provides both external validation from specialists and increased visibility in target markets. Vintruvian Estates aims for Rară Neagră to gain international recognition, thereby contributing to greater awareness of this Romanian grape variety on global markets.

Food Pairing: Three Styles, Three Culinary Worlds

Each of the three expressions of Rară Neagră in the Manuscris collection pairs naturally with specific dishes from both Romanian and international cuisine:

Rară Neagră Rosé 2025 – Ultimate versatility

• Grilled fish dishes (trout, carp)
  
• Cold vegetable appetisers
  
  
  
• Sushi and light Asian cuisine
  
• Berry-based desserts

Rară Neagră Red 2023 – The power of structure

• Beef or lamb steaks
  
• Aged cheeses (matured telemea, smoked semi-hard cheeses)
  
• Mushroom-based dishes
  
  
• Sarmale wrapped in vine leaves

Rară Neagră Sparkling Rosé 2025 – The elegance of celebration

• Festive appetisers
  
• Smoked salmon or red caviar
  
• Cream-based desserts with red fruits
  
• An elegant brunch

This diversity of gastronomic pairings turns Rară Neagră into a “complete” grape variety, suitable for year-round enjoyment – from summer barbecues (rosé) to festive winter meals (red and sparkling).

Challenges faced by Romanian wine producers

In the interview with Alin Lăzărescu, available on the Wines of Romania YouTube channel, several challenges facing the Romanian wine sector are also highlighted: the lack of a unified national strategy, the fragmentation of producers’ voices, and the need for coherent promotion both domestically and internationally.

“I would like the Romanian wine industry to have a common voice that helps promote wine both nationally and internationally. And I am fairly confident that we will see more voices coming together from 2026 onwards,” says Alin Lăzărescu.

Romania has exceptional viticultural resources – valuable indigenous grape varieties, land with great potential, and a long-standing tradition – but the sector remains fragmented from an organisational and strategic point of view.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rară Neagră and Vintruvian Estates

What is Rară Neagră? Rară Neagră (Băbească Neagră) is an indigenous Romanian noble grape variety, mainly cultivated in the southern and south-eastern regions of Romania. It is valued for its versatility in producing rosé, red and sparkling wines.Ce este Rara Neagră?

Where is Rară Neagră grown in Romania? Rară Neagră is cultivated in several Romanian wine regions, particularly Dealu Mare, Muntenia and Oltenia. Vintruvian Estates owns the largest planted area of Rară Neagră in Romania, representing approximately 10% of the national total.

How does Rară Neagră compare to Fetească Neagră? Both are indigenous Romanian grape varieties, but Rară Neagră tends to be more versatile in winemaking, allowing for elegant rosé and sparkling wines thanks to its higher natural acidity. Fetească Neagră is primarily associated with structured red wines and, more rarely, rosé.

What is the difference between Rară Neagră and Băbească Neagră? Depending on the region, these names may refer to the same grape or to different ones. Alin Lăzărescu uses the terms interchangeably for the variety cultivated by Vintruvian Estates, emphasising that it is the same authentic Romanian grape.

Where can I find Rară Neagră wines from Vintruvian Estates? Rară Neagră wines from the Manuscris collection are available in specialised wine shops in Romania and will be distributed through the international HoReCa channel. Contact the winery directly for distributor information.

At the end of this year, the first bottles of Rară Neagră intended for retail will reach Carrefour shelves under the Geneza range, produced exclusively for the Deschidem Vinul Românesc / WE Open the Romanian wine program. Rară Neagră will soon be included in the producer’s other ranges – Caii de la Letea Vol. I, Vol. II and Princeps.

Which vintages are currently available for Rară Neagră?
Vintruvian Estates has released Rară Neagră Rosé 2025 and Rară Neagră Red 2023, with the Rară Neagră Sparkling Rosé 2025 to be launched shortly.

For more details, watch the interview with Alin Lăzărescu, General Director of Vintruvian Estates, on the Wines of Romania YouTube channel.