This red grape variety is a new cross between Negru Virtos x Saperavi. The cross was made in Romania in 1987 by Mircea Marculescu. With the same parents, the new variety Negru de Drăgășani was created. The medium-maturing, high-yielding vine is sensitive to rain and susceptible to fungal diseases. It yields fresh, acidic red wines with soft tannins for rather quick enjoyment. The variety is cultivated in the areas of Oltenia in the southwest and Moldova. In 2016, 74 hectares of vines were reported in Romania (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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