Back in 1988, three families decided to invest in a winery in Romania, starting with 650ha of slightly unloved vineyards and a rusty, formerly state-owned winery. Today, Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira have turned the Cramele Recas Estate into the most successful winery in Romania.

Recas are now recognized globally for their impressive scale and breadth of fascinating wines, including natural and orange wines made from organic grapes. Despite the increase in scale, the emphasis remains on making quality wines that over-deliver – a magic formula that has recently seen sales boom. The vineyards are a combination of old vines and more recent plantings, and the winery has seen significant investment in state of the art facilities. Recas are in every way a modern, dynamic winery whose open-minded approach and quality sets them apart… a winery you can’t ignore.

Viile Timișului, located in western Romania near the city of Timișoara, is a historic wine-growing region with traditions dating back to Roman times. Part of the larger Banat area, it lies close to the Serbian border and benefits from a varied landscape of rolling hills, river valleys and plains that provide diverse viticultural conditions.

The climate is largely continental, moderated by influences from the nearby Carpathian foothills and warm currents from the Mediterranean basin. Summers are long and warm, encouraging full ripening of grapes, while autumns are generally dry, favouring healthy harvests. However, late spring frosts and occasional summer droughts remain challenges for growers, requiring attentive vineyard management.

Soils in Viile Timișului are equally varied, ranging from fertile alluvial deposits in the lowlands to limestone, clay and sandy loams on the slopes. This diversity supports both international and indigenous grape varieties, giving producers a wide palette of expression. Key red grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, alongside native varieties such as Fetească Neagră. White plantings feature Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, complemented by regional specialities like Fetească Regală and Fetească Albă.

The wines of Viile Timișului are known for their freshness, balance and aromatic character. Whites often show citrus, orchard fruits and floral notes with lively acidity, while reds range from juicy, fruit-forward expressions to more structured, oak-matured styles displaying plum, cherry, spice and earthy undertones. Rosé production is also notable, typically crisp and vibrant.

Riesling is one of the world’s most esteemed white grape varieties, originating in Germany’s Rhine region during the 15th century. Celebrated for its purity of expression, Riesling thrives in cool climates and is known for its remarkable balance of acidity, aromatic intensity, and ageing potential.

Viticulturally, Riesling is a hardy, late-budding vine well-suited to steep, well-drained slopes. It ripens slowly, allowing it to develop vibrant acidity and a complex flavour profile. The grape is highly expressive of terroir, producing distinctive wines based on soil type, climate, and winemaking style.

Germany remains Riesling’s spiritual home, particularly in regions like the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. It is also widely grown in Alsace (France), Austria (notably in the Wachau and Kamptal), Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys, and the Finger Lakes and Washington State in the USA. In each of these regions, Riesling produces wines of great character and diversity.

Riesling styles range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, including sparkling and late-harvest versions. Classic flavours include green apple, lime, white peach, and jasmine, often with mineral or petrol-like notes as the wine ages. Its naturally high acidity makes it an excellent partner for a wide range of foods, including spicy cuisine and aromatic dishes.

Muscat of Alexandria is one of the oldest known grape varieties, believed to have originated in North Africa, likely in Egypt, and named after the ancient port city of Alexandria. Part of the wider Muscat family, it is prized for its aromatic, floral character and is thought to be a natural cross between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and a table grape.

Viticulturally, it is a vigorous, high-yielding vine with large, loosely packed golden-green berries and thick skins. It thrives in warm to hot climates, requiring long, sunny growing seasons to achieve full ripeness. The variety is tolerant of drought but can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.

Today, Muscat of Alexandria is widely planted around the Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Greece), in North Africa, South Africa, Australia, and parts of South America. In Spain, it is called Moscatel de Alejandría; in Italy, Zibibbo.

It is used for a range of styles—from fresh table grapes and raisins to lusciously sweet fortified and dessert wines. Typical flavours include orange blossom, rose, honey, apricot, and ripe grape, often with a musky perfume. In fortified or late-harvest styles, it can develop rich marmalade and dried fruit notes, making it a versatile grape with enduring global appeal.