{"id":64847,"date":"2025-12-22T19:00:28","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T17:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.winesofromania.com\/rara-neagra-vintruvian-estates-launches-three-expressions-of-an-authentic-romanian-grape-variety\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T05:46:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T03:46:27","slug":"rara-neagra-vintruvian-estates-launches-three-expressions-of-an-authentic-romanian-grape-variety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.winesofromania.com\/en\/rara-neagra-vintruvian-estates-launches-three-expressions-of-an-authentic-romanian-grape-variety\/","title":{"rendered":"Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103: Vintruvian Estates Launches Three Expressions of an Authentic Romanian Grape Variety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Discover Vintruvian Estates\u2019 ambitious strategy for Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 \u2013 ros\u00e9, red and sparkling, sourced from Romania\u2019s largest area of noble vines<\/p>\n\n
The Romanian wine industry is witnessing a steady reappraisal of its indigenous grape varieties, and Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 – also known in some regions as B\u0103beasc\u0103 Neagr\u0103 – is determined to prove that it is one of Romania\u2019s most versatile red grapes. Alin L\u0103z\u0103rescu, General Director of Vintruvian Estates, reveals the plan he has put into practice over the past seven years: transforming Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 into a distinctive brand, featured in the Manuscris portfolio in three complementary styles \u2013 white, ros\u00e9 and sparkling ros\u00e9. In the near future, Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 will also be available across the other ranges of Via Viticola Sarica Niculi\u021bel \u2013 Volumul I, Volumul II and Princeps. <\/p>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 \u2013 a Romanian grape with international potential<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\u201cRar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 is a Romanian grape variety, just like Feteasc\u0103 Neagr\u0103, Feteasc\u0103 Alb\u0103, Feteasc\u0103 Regal\u0103 or Negru de Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani,\u201d explains Alin L\u0103z\u0103rescu. 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, ros\u00e9 and sparkling ros\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n
The Vintruvian Group currently owns the largest planted area of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 in Romania, according to available information, further strengthening its position in the promotion and valorisation of local grape varieties.<\/p>\n\n
The characteristics of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 (also known as B\u0103beasc\u0103 Neagr\u0103 in certain regions) is an indigenous Romanian noble grape variety, mainly cultivated in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country. The name \u201crar\u0103\u201d does not refer to rarity, but to the morphological characteristics of the bunches, which have loosely spaced berries. <\/p>\n\n
The grape shows remarkable adaptability to different winemaking styles, which is one of the key reasons Vintruvian Estates chose to invest heavily in it.<\/p>\n\n
From an oenological perspective, Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 offers:<\/p>\n\n
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High natural acidity, essential for ros\u00e9 and sparkling wines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Moderate tannins, allowing for elegant vinifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A fruity aromatic profile, with notes of fresh red fruits<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potential for maturation in oak<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
These characteristics have enabled the winemaking team led by Alin L\u0103z\u0103rescu 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 Niculi\u021bel, part of the Vintruvian Estates group, a white vinification of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 was also produced from the 2025 harvest. <\/p>\n\n
The Manuscris Collection \u2013 three expressions of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
The Manuscris Collection is part of the Vintruvian Group\u2019s premium ranges, where each label is built on principles of consistent quality and authentic expression of the local terroir.<\/p>\n\n
The first of the three expressions launched is the ros\u00e9 from the 2025 vintage – an excellent year that allowed the grape\u2019s character to fully express itself. Ros\u00e9-style vinification highlights the freshness and elegance of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103. <\/p>\n\n
The sensory profile of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 Ros\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n\n
In other words, a wine that responds perfectly to the growing demand for high-quality ros\u00e9s on both the Romanian and international markets, where consumers are seeking alternatives to classic ros\u00e9s from Provence or Languedoc.<\/p>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 Red 2023<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
The red expression of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 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. <\/p>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n
For consumers, Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 Red pairs beautifully with red meat dishes, grilled foods or aged cheeses – classic pairings that highlight the wine\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n
The launch of the Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 Sparkling Ros\u00e9, scheduled for next week, completes the Manuscris trilogy.<\/p>\n\n
The naturally high acidity of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 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 Niculi\u021bel has seen other \u201ccreative\u201d surprises over time as well, including a sparkling wine made from Aligot\u00e9 – a variety generally considered neutral, yet one that has found a particularly expressive voice in Dobrogea. <\/p>\n\n
The development cycle: from planting to launch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
The strategy implemented by Vintruvian Estates illustrates the professional approach required in modern viticulture:<\/p>\n\n
Years 0\u20133<\/strong>: Vine planting and the juvenile phase, during which the vineyard requires intensive care but does not produce grapes suitable for commercial winemaking.<\/p>\n\n
Years 4\u20136<\/strong>: Entry into production and the first experimental vinifications, allowing the winemaking team to understand the grape\u2019s potential and to test different winemaking protocols.<\/p>\n\n
Year 7+<\/strong>: Commercial launch, with consistent volumes and well-defined oenological profiles.<\/p>\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n
Indigenous grape varieties in the Romanian market context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Romania has numerous registered indigenous grape varieties, but only a few – most notably Feteasc\u0103 Neagr\u0103 – have managed to establish a presence on the international market.<\/p>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 is set to enter a phase of active development in the near future, as producers experiment and invest in order to demonstrate the grape\u2019s commercial potential. By owning approximately 10% of the total planted area of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 in Romania, Vintruvian Estates became an important ambassador for this variety. <\/p>\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103\u2019s 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, Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 is well on its way to becoming Romania\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 on the international market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Wines made from Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 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.<\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n
\u201cIt will be present at all the competitions where the other wines of the Vintruvian Group are entered as well,\u201d confirms Alin L\u0103z\u0103rescu, emphasising the ambition to position Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 at international competition standards.<\/p>\n\n
Participation in major international competitions provides both external validation from specialists and increased visibility in target markets. Vintruvian Estates aims for Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 to gain international recognition, thereby contributing to greater awareness of this Romanian grape variety on global markets. <\/p>\n\n
Food Pairing: Three Styles, Three Culinary Worlds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Each of the three expressions of Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 in the Manuscris collection pairs naturally with specific dishes from both Romanian and international cuisine:<\/p>\n\n
Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 Sparkling Ros\u00e9 2025<\/strong> \u2013 The elegance of celebration<\/p>\n\n
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Festive appetisers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Smoked salmon or red caviar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cream-based desserts with red fruits<\/li>\n\n\n\n
An elegant brunch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
This diversity of gastronomic pairings turns Rar\u0103 Neagr\u0103 into a \u201ccomplete\u201d grape variety, suitable for year-round enjoyment – from summer barbecues (ros\u00e9) to festive winter meals (red and sparkling).<\/p>\n\n
Challenges faced by Romanian wine producers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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