Many other successful varieties were to emerge from Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani. In 1987, Novac was registered, obtained from a cross between Negru v\u00e2rtos and Saperavi. In 1993, Negru de Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani was registered, from the same cross. From B\u0103beasc\u0103 neagr\u0103 and Saperavi came Alutus, registered in 2003. Also in 2003, Vilarom was registered – an aromatic variety created from Muscat Hamburg, Cr\u00e2mpo\u0219ie and Muscat Ottonel, now on the verge of wider vineyard release. <\/p>\n\n
A Rapid Succes: Negru de Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani<\/h2>\n\n
Although it currently covers only 77.43 hectares, Negru de Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani is more than just a success story. Quickly adopted in the vineyards of local producers – Avincis<\/a>, \u0218tirbey and Crama Bauer – it surprised wine lovers, offering a true and profound \u201ctaste of place,\u201d with subtle rustic accents elegantly masked by refined notes, complexity balanced by a direct expression. Clean, honest, powerful and charming. <\/p>\n\n Later attempts to expand the variety, particularly in Dealu Mare and Banat, revealed highly successful versions that express both the character of the grape and the identity of the place.<\/p>\n\n The area planted with a variety is only one indicator of success. Aromat de Ia\u0219i, for example, covers a comparable 53 hectares but enjoys far less recognition. In fact, even less than Alb Aromat which, with only 24 hectares, has at least seen a few commercial releases. The same goes for Golia, which exists bottled and available, although official data from ONVPV <\/a>shows it cultivated on just 2.5 hectares. (All the varieties mentioned above are products of recent Romanian research.) <\/p>\n\n To build a brand around a grape variety, just as important are the credibility of those promoting it, the quality delivered to the market, consistency over time and, naturally, public perception. At Avincis, Bauer and \u0218tirbey, Negru de Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani and Cr\u00e2mpo\u0219ie found an essential starting base – with Cr\u00e2mpo\u0219ie Selec\u021bionat\u0103 also benefiting from the support of one of its earliest advocates, Mugur Is\u0103rescu. <\/p>\n\n In recent years, the variety Alutus has also been launched \u201cunder its own power,\u201d first introduced at Avincis in a limited edition, Alutus Primus Cuv\u00e9e Valerius<\/a>. After three vintages – one already split into different ranges – the value of this variety is now recognized among wine lovers, even though it occupies only 8.13 hectares nationally. Crama Bauer recently joined the promotional effort with another limited release of just a few hundred bottles of red wine and 3,300 bottles of ros\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n The powerful return of Dr\u0103g\u0103\u0219ani into public awareness has been something of a \u201cperfect storm.\u201d On one hand, valuable varieties registered at the turn of the millennium and a new wave of quality-oriented producers willing to invest in local grapes; on the other, a new generation of consumers eager to experiment and learn, improved living standards and the enthusiasm brought by Euro-Atlantic integration. <\/p>\n\n We asked Professor Valeriu Stoica, founder of Avincis, two questions – why he chose to invest in these then-unknown or little-known varieties and why we do not taste a Novac from Avincis. His response was clear and firm, as always: <\/p>\n\n \u201cI do not want to use grand words, but it is about cultivating tradition. Literally and figuratively. It is the identity of this place, and I truly wish to emphasize it even more – at this moment we are studying the possibility of using two other old local varieties<\/a>, Braghin\u0103 and Gordan. And it is not only the identity of this place, but part of Romania\u2019s identity – the one we need to present to the world. I believe local varieties can and should be our key proposal for export. As for Novac\u2026 We already had Pinot Noir planted, and Novac not only produces a similar wine, but it also requires the same excessive effort. It would have been too much. And, as I said, there are older varieties we would like to bring back into focus. Perhaps not as standalone wines – I do not know how successful a Braghin\u0103 wine would be – but at least for reviving the traditional local blend, alongside T\u0103m\u00e2ioas\u0103 Rom\u00e2neasc\u0103 and Cr\u00e2mpo\u0219ie.\u201d <\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staging.winesofromania.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Avincis-negru-de-dragasani.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\nThe Power of a “Spiritual Parent”<\/h2>\n\n
A New Local Identity<\/h2>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staging.winesofromania.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/avincis-dragasani-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\nThe first life – A Tradition of Knowledge<\/h2>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staging.winesofromania.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cramposie-selectionata-avincis-dragasani-721x1024.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n