Romanian Wine Houses

One good way to get good wine in Romania is to visit the wine houses. These are tiny cubby holes with several barrels, marked as to whether the wine is red, white, dry or sweet. You may even have semisweet or semidry. There is a difference. As I prefer dry, I tend to choose semidry as opposed to semisweet if there is no other option.

These wines aren't at all complex—in other words, you won't notice layers and layers of flavor, starting with one thing and finishing with something else—but you won't find major flaws either. You can count on them to be consistently enjoyable.

They will put the wine into a plastic liter bottle with a twist-cap for you. I don't know how long the wine lasts before spoiling in the plastic. It doesn't tend to last very long without being drunk in my house.

2005 Recas Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery: Cramele Recas
Country: Romania
Alc. by Vol.: 13%
Price: 12,29 RON (about $5)

I have no idea if 2005 is a good year, but it tasted pretty good to me. The bottle calls it a “powerful red wine with spicy aroma.” Maybe my taste buds aren't developed enough to detect the spice. I've tasted spice before, in a pinot I would give my right arm to remember the name of because it was one of the best wines I've ever had. But if there was spice in this one it was well-hidden under the vanilla. Now THAT, I tasted.

I have to admit, the Recas cab is my favorite Romanian wine thus far. Unlike many Romanian reds, it is dry. We had it with a mild cascaval (cheese), which was a mistake, as the wine made the cheese run away with its tail between its legs. We also had some good white bread, a Granny Smith apple and some chocolate – Heidi 55% cacao Dark Coffee, which was a good choice.

Three Things To Remember About Serving Wine at Your Home on Valentine's Day -- Point 3

If you still aren't sure what your date likes, buy a couple of bottles—a white and a red, preferably merlot, which is a nice safe bet. People who don't normally drink wine generally have an easy time with merlot. If she is a fan of wine coolers and fruity drinks, however, you might do well with a sweet white.

There's really not that much to it. This is not a time for you to prove your wine prowess. This is a time to enjoy yourself. Don't pretend to be an expert if you're not. Besides, the more honest approach may pave the way for some laughs and laughs always loosen people up.

Three Things To Remember About Serving Wine at Your Home on Valentine's Day -- Point 2

Drink sparingly. You do not want to get yourself or your date drunk. Nothing physical will happen if you get yourself or you date drunk. Repeat: If drunk, no sex. The mind may be willing, but the flesh will say, “Uh-uh, Romeo. Go to sleep.”

Three Things To Remember About Serving Wine at Your Home on Valentine's Day -- Point 1

Buy the wine your date likes. If you don't know, it's time to start asking. If your date doesn't like wine, then have a little champagne with dessert. The effort will be appreciated and she or he won't feel obligated to suffer through a beverage they don't like for an entire meal.