Since the turn of the millennium the most notable Romanian exports have been the Cheeky Girls, a pair of identical twin sisters who – somehow – had 4 top 10 hits in the UK. While their music was aimed at pre-teens, Romania has much better products for adults: wine!
When I got into wine in the early/mid ’90s, Deulu Mare Pinot Noir from the south of Romania was a staple in the supermarkets, which had a much better range back then. Romania is reportedly the sixth largest producer of wine in Europe, making wines from:
- International varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
- Mid / Eastern European varieties such as Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch
- Romanian varieties such as Tămâioasă Românească and Busuioacă de Bohotin
Little Romanian wine seems to hit our shores these days, but the Wildflower range are welcome recent arrivals.
Wildflower Pinot Grigio 2018
As a confirmed Grigio skeptic I approached this wine with caution, but rather than being dilute this wine was light; the difference might seem subtle but it’s important. The nose is attractive, floral and fruity. On the palate the fun continues with fresh citrus and pip fruit, and a clean crisp finish. This isn’t a complex wine, and doesn’t pretend to be, but it’s perfect for a mid-week glass or three.
- ABV: 12.0%
- RRP: €13.95 (until 1st June: €9.00, 6 for €50)
- Stockists: O’Briens stores and obrienswines.ie
Wildflower Pinot Noir 2018
As Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow well, i.e. make reasonable wine out of, an inexpensive one might raise an eyebrow or two. However, this is recognisably Pinot Noir with its medium intensity colour, fragrant nose and supple palate. It’s light enough that twenty minutes in the fridge before pouring at a barbecue would be perfect. It has soft red fruit – raspberry, cherry and strawberry – and gentle tannins, with fresh acidity for added structure. Just remember to use a wine glass and not a pint glass!
- ABV: 12.5%
- RRP: €13.95 (until 1st June: €9.00, 6 for €50)
- Stockists: O’Briens stores and obrienswines.ie
Conclusion
These wines – and their counterpart Wildflower Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz – are described as “party wines” by O’Briens. For me this has two slightly different connotations;
- It could be the cheap-as-chips / industrially produced swill that a host will lay on at a big party or function while they drink something else (we all know one of those kind of people). The kind of wine that you wince slightly while drinking, but you drink anyway because there’s no alternative
- Or, it could be an easy drinking wine that a party host is happy to drink with his guests because wine isn’t the focus of the party, but the crowd are likely to consume quite a lot of it!
The Wildflower Pinots Grigio and Noir definitely fall into the second category. They are acceptably priced at €13.95 (especially the Pinot Noir) but a complete steal when on offer for €9. Given the current lock down the potential for partying is rather limited…but for those who work from home (and thus don’t have to drive) or are furloughed and want a great VFM tipple, fill your boots!
**Click here to see more posts in the Make Mine a Double Series**