Francusa is a Romanian grape variety cultivated for centuries in the famed Cotnari vineyard.
This old Romanian cultivar showcases its uniqueness through its distinct ampelographic characteristics, such as its middle-sized, trilobate or pentalobate adult leaf with a dark green colored limb.
The grapes themselves are a marvel, with their middle to large cylindrical-conical shape and compact berries. When you delve into the experience of tasting Francusa wines, you’ll be greeted with a wine that exudes elegance, softness, and delightful floral and fruity notes. It’s no wonder this grape variety has become a favorite among wine enthusiasts, perfectly complementing dishes based on fish and poultry.
Introduction
I’m always looking for unique and lesser-known grape varieties worldwide. Today, I introduce Francusa, an intriguing grape variety producing some of the best Romania wines.
In this article, we will delve into the historical background, ampelographic characteristics, sensory attributes, pairing options, variations and blends, wine regions, and some of the best Romanian wineries, the role of Francusa in Romanian wine culture, its presence in the international wine scene, and preservation and sustainability efforts for this remarkable grape.
1. Overview of Francusa Grape Variety
1.1 Historical Background
The Francusa grape variety holds a rich historical significance in Romania, specifically in the renowned Cotnari vineyard. It has been cultivated for centuries, since the reigns of Peter II (1444-1449), and its roots are deeply intertwined with Romanian winemaking traditions. The history and heritage of Francusa add to its allure, making it a fascinating grape variety to explore.
1.2 Ampelographic Characteristics
Regarding the visual characteristics of Francusa, it boasts medium-sized leaves, which are often trilobate or pentalobate. The dark green color and slightly crinkled appearance of the leaf’s limb, with edges bent towards the upper face, give Francusa a distinctive appearance. The flowers of this grape variety are of the hermaphrodite type 5 and 6. Francusa grapes are typically medium to large in size, with cylindrical-conical shapes and quite compact berries. The berries are medium-sized, spherical, and have a thin yellowish-green skin, juicy pulp, and a grassy flavor. For those seeking an overview of Romanian grape distinctiveness, consider visiting this guide on notable varieties.
1.3 Grape Production and Characteristics
In terms of grape production, Francusa vineyards yield approximately 12 to 14 tons per hectare. This grape variety impressively accumulates between 190-200 g/l of sugars, resulting in wines with wonderful sweetness. Furthermore, Francusa grapes have a very good total acidity, contributing to the overall balance of the wines produced from this grape variety. However, it’s important to note that Francusa is somewhat sensitive to frost, with a temperature range of -18 °C to -20 °C. Additionally, it is susceptible to powdery mildew but exhibits resistance to drought.
2. Sensory Attributes of Francusa Wines
2.1 Aroma Profile
One of the most captivating aspects of Francusa wines is their enticing aroma profile. When you indulge in a glass of Francusa wine, you can expect to be greeted by floral notes that dance delicately on your palate. These floral undertones add a touch of elegance and fragrance to the overall sensory experience.
2.2 Flavor Profile
Moving on to the flavor profile, Francusa wines offer a delightful array of flavors. The grassy undertones in the grapes give the wines a unique and refreshing taste. Additionally, Francusa wines often exhibit a pleasing fruitiness that adds a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile. Explore how Francusa aligns with other aromatic varieties like Tamaioasa Romaneasca.
3. Pairing Francusa Wines
3.1 Fish-based Dishes
Due to its unique sensory attributes, Francusa wines pair exceptionally well with fish-based dishes. Looking to learn more about the fundamentals of Romanian wine pairing? Start with this beginner’s guide.
5. Wine Regions and Wineries Producing Francusa Wines
5.1 Cotnari Vineyard
The Cotnari vineyard holds special significance for Francusa, as it is the region where this grape variety has been cultivated for centuries. Cotnari is located in Northeastern Romania and is renowned for its historical winemaking traditions…