Romanian
wine culture has existed for almost 6000 years and dates back to
history's earliest inhabitants. It is argued to be one of the oldest
in all of Europe. Legend says that the Tharacian god of wine was
born just north of the Danube Delta. When the Romans occupied this
area it was often referred to as Happy Dacia (Dacia Felix) because
of the richness that the land provided for growing wine. Vineyards
throughout Romania have survived the years and still produce these
high quality wines today.
Due to its local soil and climate Romania attracted countries such
as France, Germany, and Italy to invest in vineyards since the 19C.
Because of this you will find a variety of different vines, such as
Pinot noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon
Blanc.
Romania has 4 major wine producing regions that you can see in the
map above. Discover the wines of the gods and find out why vines in
this region have been sought after for its richness for years!
In Transylvania just north of Sibiu
surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. This region enjoys a cool
climate due to the high altitude and humidity provided by the nearby
rivers. Because of this cool, fruity white wines with very good
acidity are mainly produced in this region
Wineries: Blaj, Jidvei, Medias, Tarnaveni, Zagar, Valea Nirajului.
Range of wines: quality white wines: Pinot Gris, Italian Riesling,
Sauvignon, Furmint, Chardonnay, Feteasca Alba; aromatic wines:
Muscat Ottonel; Sparkling wines: Royal Feteasca, Italian Riesling,
White Feteasca.
The "Kingly Wine" of Moldavia.
When Stephen the Great reigned these great lands he became very fond
of the wine and commissioned bridges and paved roads for wine
transport as well as deep cellars that some can still be visited
today. Situated in the hills of the Northwest of Iasi, this region
produces some of the most beautiful sweet wines of Romania.
Wineries: Cotnari, Cucuteni, Frumusica
Range of wines: Region specialized in white wine growing, with
controlled name of origin (DOC) and controlled name of origin and
quality levels (DOCC): Grasa de Cotnari, Tamaioasa Romaneasca, white
Feteasca, Francusa.
A very important wine region in
Romania, located just off the Black Sea in the region of Dobrogea.
With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The Black Sea
provides it the freshness and necessary humidity to permit the
culture of the grape and possibility to produce noble rot. Murfatlar
wine is renowned for its sweet wines made of grapes highly sugared
as they are reaped after they have dried up.
Romanian it is translated as Big Hill.
Spreading approximately 400 square kilometres over sub-Carpathian
Hills this is the most compact vine region in Romania. Old in
tradition the Dealu Mare vineyard is the cradle of the red wines,
whose special taste and flavour are given by the local soil and
climate.
Wineries: Valea Calugareasca, Urlati, Ceptura, Tohani, Breaza,
Tohani, Pietroasa. Special wines tasting are held in the tourist
center of Boldesti, close to Ploiesti.
Range of wines: Dealu Mare vineyard is the land of the red wine:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, black Feteasca, Pinot Noir. White wines:
white Feteasca, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, and Tamaioasa
Romaneasca.
Representative wines: black Feteasca, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Pinot Noir
