Discover the wines regions, subregions and grape varietals and wines of Romania

about this region

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Romania's wine country beckons wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs to embark on a delightful journey through its rich viticultural landscape. With a wine-making heritage spanning over two millennia, this region offers a captivating tapestry of grape varieties that thrive in its diverse terrain. Currently, Romania has 6 main wine regions: Banat, Crisana-Maramures, Dobrogea, Moldova, Muntenia-Oltenia and Transylvania.

Romania's wine industry is characterized by its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional wines. Among the standout grape varieties cultivated here are Fetească Neagră, renowned for its intense red fruit notes, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, each contributing to the production of distinctive and elegant red wines. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc flourish, producing crisp and refreshing white wines, while indigenous treasures like Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală add a unique local charm to the wine offerings.

The terroir of Romania's wine country encompasses rolling hills and sun-kissed valleys, each imparting its own character to the wines. Winemakers, blending tradition with innovation, take pride in crafting top-notch vintages that honor the region's illustrious heritage.

A visit to Romania's wine country promises immersive experiences, from wandering ancient vineyards to savoring award-winning wines. Whether it's the grace of Pinot Noir or the depth of Fetească Neagră, Romania's wine country invites you to explore its diverse and flavorful world. Come and discover the authentic charm and captivating flavors of Romanian wines in this enchanting European destination.

Romania's enchanting wine country boasts a rich tapestry of grape varieties, each with distinct agricultural and climatic prerequisites. From the robust Fetească Neagră to the delicate Pinot Noir, these grapes thrive in a spectrum of conditions, playing a vital role in Romania's burgeoning wine industry. Let's delve into the unique characteristics of these grape varieties, focusing on their agricultural and climatic needs:

1. Fetească Neagră: Thriving in Romania's sunny vineyards, this robust red grape variety demands well-drained soils and a climate marked by warmth and moderate rainfall, perfectly aligned with the country's diverse terroirs.

2. Merlot: Merlot vines flourish in Romania's temperate climate, requiring consistent sunlight and good ventilation. They display adaptability to various soil types, contributing to their widespread cultivation.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its intricate flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon finds a comfortable home in slightly cooler Romanian regions with ample sunlight. Proper drainage and canopy management are key to its successful growth.

4. Pinot Noir: Preferring cooler climates with extended growing seasons, Pinot Noir excels in Romania's hillside vineyards, benefiting from moderate temperatures and adequate humidity.

5. Chardonnay: Chardonnay grapes are versatile, thriving in Romania's diverse terroirs. They necessitate well-drained soils and moderate rainfall, adapting seamlessly to both cool and warm climates.

6. Sauvignon Blanc: Suited for cooler climates with generous sun exposure, Sauvignon Blanc vines require well-ventilated vineyards and soil with good drainage for optimal growth.

7. Fetească Albă: Indigenous to Romania, Fetească Albă is adaptable, capable of flourishing in various soil types and climates, provided there is sufficient sunlight and attentive vineyard management.

8. Fetească Regală: Another native gem, Fetească Regală, thrives in Romania's sun-kissed vineyards. Its resilience allows it to endure varying climatic conditions, endearing it to local winemakers.

These grape varieties, with their distinct agricultural and climatic demands, showcase the splendid diversity of Romania's wine country. When nurtured and transformed into wine, they yield a wide array of exceptional flavors that capture the essence of this flourishing viticultural region.

Romania's wine country is a treasure trove of diverse and captivating wines, each offering a unique sensory experience. These wines exhibit a range of body styles and visual aspects, making them a delightful exploration for wine enthusiasts. Here, we delve into the most common wines from Romania and uncover their aromatic and flavor profiles:

Fetească Neagră: This rich and robust red wine, often displaying a deep crimson hue, delights with aromas of blackberries, plums, and hints of spice. On the palate, Fetească Neagră unveils dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of chocolate, tobacco, and a subtle earthiness. Its full-bodied character and velvety tannins make it a true Romanian gem.
Merlot: Merlot wines in Romania are characterized by their medium to full body and garnet-red color. Aromas of ripe red fruits like cherries and plums mingle with gentle herbal notes. The palate offers a harmonious blend of fruitiness, soft tannins, and a touch of vanilla, creating a well-balanced and approachable wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon: With a deep, intense ruby-red appearance, Romanian Cabernet Sauvignon wines exude an enticing bouquet of blackcurrants, cedar, and a hint of green bell pepper. The taste is marked by bold black fruit flavors, structured tannins, and a lingering finish, making it a bold and age-worthy choice.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir from Romania showcases a light to medium body and a translucent ruby-red color. The nose reveals delicate aromas of red berries, violets, and subtle earthiness. On the palate, you'll find bright red fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and a silky texture, resulting in an elegant and expressive wine.
Chardonnay: Romanian Chardonnays, known for their versatility, come in various styles. Aromas often include green apple, citrus, and vanilla, depending on the winemaking approach. The taste ranges from crisp and unoaked with vibrant acidity to rich and buttery with notes of ripe fruits and toasted oak, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc wines from Romania offer a visual delight with their pale yellow-green color. They present a lively aromatic profile with notes of citrus, green herbs, and sometimes a touch of tropical fruit. The palate is refreshing, with vibrant acidity, zesty citrus flavors, and a clean, crisp finish.
Fetească Albă: Indigenous to Romania, Fetească Albă produces white wines with a pale straw color and aromas of white flowers, green apple, and subtle minerality. Its flavor profile is crisp, with refreshing acidity and notes of citrus and pear, making it a delightful and distinctive choice.
Fetească Regală: Another native grape, Fetească Regală, yields wines with a pale to medium yellow hue. Expect aromatic notes of white peach, apricot, and floral hints. On the palate, it offers a pleasing combination of stone fruit flavors, bright acidity, and a touch of spice, resulting in an enchanting and refreshing wine.

These common wines from Romania's wine country showcase the country's rich viticultural heritage and diverse terroirs. Whether you're drawn to the boldness of reds or the elegance of whites, Romania's wines are sure to provide a memorable and diverse tasting experience.

Sustainability

The Wine Lover Romania Association (WLR) stands as a beacon of advocacy and education in Romania's vibrant wine landscape. As a country with a rich viticultural heritage, Romania's wine industry faces the dual challenge of preserving tradition while embracing modern, sustainable practices. WLR plays a pivotal role in this arena, balancing the promotion of Romanian wines with a commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption.

WLR's multifaceted approach encompasses a broad spectrum of objectives, each contributing to the overarching goal of enhancing the wine industry's sustainability:

Promotion of Romanian Wines: At the heart of WLR's mission is the promotion of local grape varieties, both within Romania and on the global stage. This not only boosts the industry's economic viability but also helps maintain biodiversity by supporting indigenous varieties.
Educational Initiatives: The association organizes thematic events, courses, and seminars, focusing on the art of wine tasting as a cultural element. This education fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of wine, encouraging more mindful and sustainable consumption practices.
Organizing Competitions and Events: Adhering to international standards, WLR organizes wine competitions, creating platforms for showcasing sustainable wine practices and awarding producers who adhere to these principles.
Sustainable Development Programs: A critical aspect of WLR's work involves developing and implementing sustainable development strategies. These programs address various facets of sustainability, from environmental conservation in vineyard management to socio-economic aspects within the wine community.
International Relations and Training: By establishing relations with other associations and entities, both domestically and internationally, WLR facilitates the exchange of sustainable practices and innovations in viticulture.

History of the Region

Romania's winemaking history is as rich and complex as the flavors of its wines, dating back over 6,000 years and deeply intertwined with the country's cultural and geographical landscape. This narrative explores the chronological events that have shaped Romanian winemaking, from its ancient beginnings to its current status.

Romania's viticultural history dates back more than 6,000 years. The country's varied relief, characterized as "Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic," created the perfect environment for viticulture. The Dacians, Gaeto-Dacians, and Thracians, the predecessors of today’s Romanians, were particularly attached to vineyards. This long-standing tradition is evidenced by the ancient legends suggesting that Dionysus, the god of wine, was born in the territory that is now part of Romania.

During the Roman era, significant advancements were made in wine-growing techniques, and new grape varieties were introduced. This period of prosperity extended into the medieval age. In the first century BC, the Dacian leader Burebista ordered the destruction of vineyards to prevent invaders from exploiting this resource. However, the Romans, upon arriving in Dacia, further promoted viticulture, as indicated by a coin issued in 106 AD depicting children offering grapes to a woman.

The second half of the 19th century was marked by the phylloxera crisis, a devastating insect that destroyed vine roots. This led to a significant decline in Romanian viticulture. The recovery involved importing new grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, and developing more specialized winemaking techniques.

The turn of the 20th century found Romania with substantial vineyard areas. However, the communist regime's focus on quantity over quality led to a degradation in wine standards. Post-1990, with the return of vineyards to their owners and the support of EU funds, Romanian wine production experienced a renaissance. The country now boasts diverse wine regions with over 160 wine-growing centers.

From ancient traditions and Roman influences to overcoming the phylloxera crisis and adapting to modern winemaking techniques, Romania's winemaking history is a testament to resilience and innovation. Each period brought its challenges and advancements, shaping a unique viticultural identity that thrives today. The rich tapestry of Romanian winemaking, steeped in history and diversity, continues to evolve, promising a future as complex and rewarding as the wines it produces.