Unveiling One of the Historic Wine Countries’ Unique Wines and Grape Varieties: Romania

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When it comes to wine, most people might think of France, Italy, or even California, but few would immediately think of Romania. However, this Eastern European country has a long history of wine-making and boasts a unique range of grape varieties and wine styles.

 

Romania’s wine-making tradition can be traced back to the ancient Dacian culture, which occupied the territory of present-day Romania around 2000 years ago. The Roman conquest of the region in the 1st century AD brought with it the knowledge of viticulture and wine-making, which were further developed over the centuries. During the Middle Ages, Romanian wines were exported to neighboring countries and even as far as Western Europe.

Today, Romania has over 200,000 hectares of vineyards, making it one of the largest wine-producing countries in Europe. The country’s vineyards are spread across several wine regions, each with its unique terroir, grape varieties, and wine styles.

 

One of the most famous wine regions in Romania is the Dealu Mare region, located in the south of the country, around 100 km from the capital, Bucharest. This region is known for its red wines, particularly those made from the Fetească Neagră grape variety, which is indigenous to Romania. Fetească Neagră is a late-ripening grape with thick skins that produces wines with intense color and aroma, and rich tannins.

Another notable Romanian wine region is Murfatlar, located on the Black Sea coast, near the border with Bulgaria. This region has a warm climate and sandy soils, which are ideal for growing white grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Ottonel. The wines produced here are known for their freshness, minerality, and fruitiness.

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In addition to these two main wine regions, Romania has several other wine-producing areas, such as Transylvania, Moldavia, and the Danube Delta. Each of these regions has its unique characteristics, such as high-altitude vineyards in Transylvania or the influence of the Danube River in the Delta region.

One of the most unique aspects of Romanian wine is the use of ancient grape varieties that are not commonly found in other parts of the world. For example, the Grasă de Cotnari grape, which is used to make sweet white wines in the Cotnari region of Moldavia, is believed to be over 2000 years old. The grape produces wines with high acidity, which balances the sweetness, and a unique aroma of apricots, honey, and flowers.

Another indigenous grape variety is Tămâioasă Românească, which is used to make aromatic white wines with flavors of honey, orange blossom, and musk. This grape is grown in several regions, including Dealu Mare, Murfatlar, and Transylvania.

 

Romania is also known for its ice wines, which are made from grapes that have been left on the vine to freeze before being harvested. The freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in intensely sweet and complex wines. Ice wines are produced in several regions, but the most famous is the Băbeasca Neagră ice wine from the Cotnari region.

 

Despite its long history and unique grape varieties, Romanian wine is still relatively unknown on the international stage. However, in recent years, Romanian winemakers have been working to raise awareness of their country’s wines and to promote them in export markets.

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One of the challenges facing the Romanian wine industry is the lack of investment in modern winemaking technology and infrastructure. Many small and medium-sized wineries still rely on outdated equipment and techniques, which can limit the quality and consistency of their wines. However, there are signs of progress, with some wineries investing in modern equipment and techniques to improve the quality of their wines. Another challenge is the perception of Romanian wine as being of lower quality or less sophisticated than wines from more well-known regions. However, this perception is slowly changing, as Romanian winemakers continue to produce high-quality wines and gain recognition in international wine competitions. For those interested in exploring Romanian wines, there are several options. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, and there are also wine festivals and events throughout the year. Some Romanian wines are also available in international markets, although they may be harder to find than wines from more established regions.

In conclusion, Romania may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about wine, but it has a rich history and unique range of grape varieties and wine styles that are worth exploring. From the indigenous Fetească Neagră and Grasă de Cotnari to the aromatic Tămâioasă Românească and complex ice wines, there is something for everyone to discover in Romanian wine.