This is an old Romanian cultivar, produced for centuries in Cotnari vineyard.
Ampelographic characteristics : the adult leaf is middle-sized, trilobate or pentalobate, the leaf’s limb is dark green colored, slightly crinkled, with the edges bent towards the upper face.
The flower is hermaphrodite type 5 and 6. The grapes are middle to large, cylindrical-conical, with quite compact berries.
The berries are medium, spherical, with thin skin yellowish green, with juicy pulp and grassy flavor.
In plantations there is a biotype called «Ţârţâră», with uneven berries size, with very little grapes per plant and with great capacity for sugars accumulation.
Grape production is 12 to 14 tons/ha.
Francusa accumulates between 190-200 g/l of sugars, its total acidity being very good.
It is kind of sensitive to frost (-18 °C ...- 20 °C) and susceptible to powdery mildew, but resistant to drought.
Francusa, the dry wine of Cotnari vineyard has a special elegance, softness and presents floral notes, fruitiness and freshness. These are just a few of the attributes revealed to the consumers.
It matches well the dishes based on fish and poultry.
Source: George Malutan, winemaker
Fotografii Fenea Silviu
