CRAMA OPRISOR | Jiana Rose | 2023
pinot noir | syrah

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Crama Oprișor is a renowned name in romanian winemaking, situated in the heart of Oltenia – a region deeply rooted in history and legend. Founded with a vision to blend ancient viticultural heritage with modern winemaking techniques, the winery has consistently produced wines that express the unique character of Oltenia’s terroir.
Tonight we are going to review a quite captivating rosé wine from the Dealurile Olteniei wine region of Romania – Jiana Rose 2023 by Crama Oprisor. Rosé is a bizarre wine category, as it isn’t exactly a red wine, nor is it a pigmented white wine – it is something in between. The secret to the pinkish hue of the rosé wine is found in the skins of the red grapes and more exactly in the anthocyanin pigments. When making a red wine, the skins spend the entire fermentation in contact with the juice, for rosé however the process is shortened, for example pinot noir usually spends around 4 to 6 hours on the skins, to produce its trademark pale salmon hue, while cabernet sauvignon needs only a few minutes to make that rich, deep-pink color.

Tonight’s wine is part of the ‘Inmost Oltenia‘ wine collection, which covers Oltenia’s most famous myths and legends. The wine name and label was inspired by the local folklore, where Jiana is depicted as a mythical fairy – the bearer of good fortune, who quenches the thirst of those who toil the earth, offering them the living water that nourishes the Tree of Life. This legend, beautifully depicted through motifs from a traditional oltenian carpet on the label, speaks to the wine’s essence: a vibrant elixir born from the pure heart of the earth, delivering refreshment and joy. This rosé wine is a made up of 65% pinot noir and 35% syrah – two international grape varieties that thrive in southern Romania. Pinot Noir, known for its delicate red fruit profile and bright acidity, provides the wine with elegance and freshness, while Syrah contributes structure, depth and complexity, both on the nose and on the palate.

Located in southwestern Romania between the Danube River, the Southern Carpathians and the Olt River, Oltenia embraces gentle hills with predominantly south and southeast-facing slopes. The climate here is temperate-continental with strong sun-exposure (around 2,100–2,200 hours annually), hot summers and mild winters. Soils vary from alluvial and sandy in the lower plains to clay-rich and loess terraces on the hillsides, often interspersed with reddish luvosols and gelisols. In this terroir, both traditional romanian varieties, such as Fetească Neagră and Tămâioasă Românească, and international grape varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay thrive. The wines produced in these conditions combine the ripe fruit flavours and ample body with enough freshness and minerality to maintain the delicate balance, thus reflecting the region’s sun-lit climate, varied soils and emerging modern viticultural identity.

color: pale onion color
clarity: clear salmon hues

The wine showcases a pale onion color, almost ethereal in its delicacy, which gracefully transitions into clear salmon shades at the rim of the glass.

intensity: rich & herbal
fruit character: underripe

On the nose, the wine reveals a rich and intriguing aromatic profile, characterized by its distinctly herbal and slightly underripe fruit character. The foreground showcases a fascinating interplay of fresh red fruits, think cranberry and wolfberry, complemented by intriguing hints of gooseberry, thus building a zesty and vibrant fruit core. This fruit is beautifully intertwined with a dominant herbal layer, reminiscent of freshly cut hay, dry straw grass, wild meadow flowers, and a touch of dried leaves, adding depth and rustic charm. As the bouquet evolves, subtle spicy notes of white pepper and a dusty earthiness emerge in the background, delicately framed by a nuanced undertone of earthy tree bark, completing an aromatic tapestry that is both inviting and thought-provoking.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & appealing

The palate confirms the promise of the nose, delivering a well-structured and ample mouthfeel with a fruity-herbal accent. It is distinctly dry, with bright acidity that awakens the taste buds, yet remains beautifully balanced. The alcoholic warmth is nicely integrated, providing a subtle layer of depth without overwhelming the wine’s delicate character. The mouthfeel is surprisingly ample and round – a richness that complements its lean profile, carrying the wine’s delicate aromatic essence through to the finish. The wine culminates in an appealingly-crisp aftertaste that lingers pleasantly, leaving a vibrant impression.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within a year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of good quality

All in all, this is a captivating rosé wine. While perhaps not intensely aromatic on the nose, its bouquet builds intrigue, forming a vibrant mouthfeel. It feels nicely rounded and lean, offering a light and easy-drinking tasting experience that doesn’t sacrifice complexity. The harmony of all its elements and the refreshingly-crisp finish make it very appealing. This wine is clearly in its prime and does not require any further ageing – ready to be enjoyed today, offering immediate gratification.

The wine’s refreshing crispness and delicate aromatic profile make it a very good match for a wide array of seafood dishes, like for example grilled prawns or salmon carpaccio. Its vibrant acidity would cut through the richness of the lemon-drizzled prawns and complement the subtle flavors of a delicate carpaccio. For a complementary pairing that would enhance the wine’s unique herbal notes, consider a light tuna tartare with capers and dill. Cheers!

CRAMA OPRISOR | Jiana Rose | 2023
variety: pinot noir | syrah
country: Romania
region: Oltenia | Dealurile Olteniei
rating: 92.8

The intricate motifs adorning the wine’s label are inspired by traditional oltenian carpets, connecting the wine to the region’s artistic heritage. This wine was crafted by Liviu Grigorica – a winemaker that is famous for his deep understanding of the Oltenia’s terroir and his ability to translate it into his elegant wines.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!