Why it matters
The producer
Denis Thomas, a Burgundy wine grower and producer, established Domeniile Franco-Române in 2000. He introduced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Dealu Mare after seeing similarities between its climate and Bourgogne's. The estate obtained Ecocert certification in 2006, and Mihnea Olariu now leads the property after an ownership transition completed in 2020. Under his leadership, the winery modernized and doubled its production capacity.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The winery is in Săhăteni, between Gura Vadului and Săhăteni in the Dealu Mare region. Its vines sit on south-facing slopes in the centre of the area. Southern exposure brings longer daily sunlight to the vines, while Dealu Mare's climate gave Thomas a Romanian setting he considered comparable to Bourgogne for French grape varieties.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named Arrogance wines cover two styles. Arrogance Rosé is a dry organic rosé made from 100% Merlot, with salmon-pink colour, fine astringency and lively acidity. Its red fruit profile includes early cherries, wild strawberries, strawberries and redcurrants, with lime and pomegranate on the finish.
Arrogance Alb Demisec is the white counterpart, a semi-dry wine from Romanian grape varieties. The range therefore moves between a dry rosé with light tannic grip and a white shaped by residual sugar and freshness.