Domaine Danubiane Sauvignon Blanc 2007

This is a delightfully crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Romania a country probably better known as the home of Bram Stoker's fictional creation Count Dracula than as a producer of wine. The country has been growing grapes since the seventh century BC and, with almost as much land under vine as Portugal, has ''enormous unrealized potential'', according to Jancis Robinson MW. Much of Romania belongs to a bygone age, but not the multi award winning cellar which crafted this wine. It lies in the town of Turnu Severin, formerly known as the ancient city of Drobeta. It takes its name from the tower built to commemorate the death of the Roman emperor, Septimus Sever, and there the ruins of a Roman city, including the baths and a bridge over the Danube, can still be seen. The cellar, however, is of the highest spec, having imported modern equipment from Italy. This is still quite a rarity in Romania and contrasts to the villages surrounding it, many of which still do not have running water, and donkey and cart, not car, is the usual mode of transport. Winemaker at this cellar is an Italian, Fiorenzo Rista, who after much experience winemaking in northern Italy, came to Romania, fell in love with a Romanian lady and never returned to his homeland. Fiorenzo made this crisp aromatic white purely from Sauvignon Blanc. The cool climate of Vanju Mare is perfect for emphasising its grassy herbal aromas and vibrant gooseberry and passion fruit flavours.