Red Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Băbească Neagră, Merlot, Fetească Neagră
Romanian Wine Regions
You may not instantly think of Romania when naming serious winegrowing countries, but Romania is in fact the sixth largest producer of wine in Europe, and they drink a fair amount too. Although winemaking here dates back to the times of the ancient Romans, it’s only recently that the export market has opened up on scale. Today, increasing amounts of consumers are enjoying the wines of this south-eastern European country, which has seriously upped its game over the past ten or so years.
To the north and west of the country the climate is largely continental, meaning the winters are short and cold, the autumns mild and summers warm. To the east, winters are mild and summers hot with Mediterranean-style coastal influences from the Black Sea. Each of these diverse climatic conditions play a big influence on the wine styles produced in each key Romanian region. You will also find a uniquely diverse range of grape varieties being planted in Romania, many of which are indigenous to the country and its immediate neighbours, Moldova and Bulgaria. Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă, Băbească Neagră and Cadarca are among the most widely planted and popular both with locals and wine buffs alike.
Learn About the History, Grape Varieties, Climate and Wines of Each Romanian Wine Region Below:
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Moldovan Hills
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Dobrogea
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Oltenia & Muntenia
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Banat
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Translyvania
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Crisana & Maramures
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Moldovan Hills
Shop Romanian WineAn Introduction to Moldovan Hills
The Moldovan Hills are in the eastern province of Romania, next door to the Republic of Moldova. The wine region is home to arguably the country’s most famous wine producing area, Cotnari, whose golden sweet wines for many decades rivalled the globally celebrated sweet wines from Tokaj, Hungary. Dry and medium dry white wines are also made here including popular native varieties, Fetească Albă and Welschriesling, which tend to be light in style and made on scale for local consumption. On the red side of things, French influence is evident, with deep coloured Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot widely planted, alongside Băbească Neagră, Fetească Neagră and other central European varieties.
Climate and Geography
The Moldovan Hills are Romania’s largest single vinicultural region with around 70,000 hectares of vineyards spanning largely terraced slopes. The region has a largely moderate climate and enjoys plenty of sunshine with relatively little rain. This provides ideal conditions for winemaking, however winters can sometimes be harsh and problematic for growers.
White Varieties
Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă, Welschriesling, Tămâioasă Românească
Climate
Moderate
Landscape
Hilly
Soil
Limestone, marl, clay
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Dobrogea
Shop Romanian WineAn Introduction to Dobrogea
Dobrogea is one of Romania’s most important regions being the country’s only coastal area and plays host to the world’s second largest river delta, the Danube Delta. It was in Dobrogea that a famous horde of archaeological objects were found which revealed the importance of wine in the ancient cities along the Romanian shore – something that winemakers are fiercely proud of. Dobrogea is recognised for its medium dry and late harvest sweet wines mainly made with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel and Welschriesling. The wineries here aren’t blessed with the latest equipment, but are certainly behind the upwards trajectory of Romania’s reputation.
Climate and Geography
The Dobrogea wine region can enjoy up to a whopping 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a perfect destination for growing grapes and making wine. The climate is distinctly warm, but is moderated and cooled by the coastal breeze of the Black Sea. Generally dry climates provide more suitable conditions for organic farming, with many winemakers taking up natural practices. A beautiful part of Romania which is making wines to match.
Red Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot,
White Varieties
Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel, Welschriesling, Chardonnay
Climate
Moderate
Landscape
Hilly
Soil
Volcanic, shale, limestone, gravel
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Oltenia & Muntenia
Shop Romanian WineAn Introduction to Oltenia & Muntenia
These two areas combined are roughly same size as the Bordeaux wine region in France. Romania’s capital, Bucharest, lies within Muntenia, as does Dealul Mare, the best known red wine district in the country. Here, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot really thrive, as do smaller quantities of Pinot Noir and Fetească Neagră. The region also produces its fair share of white wines, particularly late harvest perfumed sweet wines from the Pietroasa district which are often made with Tămâioasă Românească, another native Romanian grape variety. Dry whites here are commonly made with Fetească Albă, Pinot Gris and Welschriesling. Generally speaking, many wines from this part of Romania are of higher quality than other regions.
Climate and Geography
The Oltenia and Muntenia wine region spans the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains north of Bucharest with a substantial 140,000 acres of planted vineyards. Elevated vines are protected by the mountains and surrounding forests from winter frosts, although hail here can be a frequent hazard. That said, for the most part the region enjoys a moderate climate with Mediterranean influences.
Red Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Burgund Mare, Fetească Neagră
White Varieties
Fetească Albă, Welschriesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel, Tămâioasă Românească
Climate
Cool
Landscape
Coastal
Soil
Clay, forest brown, chalk
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Banat
Shop Romanian WineAn Introduction to Banat
Banat wine region was historically part of the old Transylvanian province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its influence is still clear to see today in the wines produced here. Furmint, Fetească Regală and Welschriesling are white varieties widely planted here whilst red wines are commonly made with Cadarca, Fetească Neagră and Pinot Noir. The region has experienced somewhat of an uplift in recent years with many new vineyards being planted, including those of prominent Italian winemakers. In terms of style, white wines in particular are similar to most cool climate central European countries and regions – Germany in particular.
Climate and Geography
Banat has a cool to moderate climate which is colder than much of Romania but warmer than its central European neighbours including Hungary. Mediterranean influence, as with much of the country, is prominent here with long hours of sunshine. Mountainous landscapes provide vines with protection and cooling winds during the warmer summer months.
Red Varieties
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Fetească Neagră, Cadarcă
White Varieties
Fetească Albă, Furmint, Welschriesling, Muscat Ottonel, Fetească Regală
Climate
Cool
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Alluvial, stone, sand
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Translyvania
Shop Romanian WineAn Introduction to Translyvania
Transylvania is the highest altitude wine region in Romania producing predominantly white wines. The most famous individual district here is Târnave, which is among the coolest wine producing areas in all the country. Wines here are typically very fresh with high acidity and good aromatics, particularly among the higher quality vineyards. Local varieties in Fetească Regală and Fetească Albă are popular, as well as Muscat Ottonel and Sauvignon Blanc. Smaller quantities of red wines are made here, largely because of the climatic conditions. Pinot Noir is the most commonly grown red grape along with Merlot and Cadarca.
Climate and Geography
Some of Transylvania’s vineyards are elevated nearly 2000ft from ground level across mountainous and untouched, versatile Carpathian landscapes. Many wineries here are organic too, preserving natural soils and practices. Wines here therefore are associated with fresh and natural flavours, with good minerality, particularly in white wines which are widely recognised as being among Romania’s best. In more recent years, a growing number of winemakers are trying their hand at making sparkling wines, similar to that of Champagne. Watch this space!
Red Varieties
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Burgund Mare, Cadarcă
White Varieties
Fetească Albă, Traminer Rose, Olasz Rizling, Muscat Ottonel, Fetească Regală
Climate
Cool
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Alluvial, stone, sand
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Crisana & Maramures
Shop Romanian WineAn Introduction to Crisana & Maramures
Crişana and Maramures are situated in the north-western part of Romania. Both regions are among the most naturally beautiful in the country, with plenty of charm in its authentically preserved historic villages and towns. The geographical area is rich in minerals and has an abundance of thermal waters, making them popular destinations for travellers and holidaymakers alike. Crişana in particular has built a steady reputation for its winemaking, particularly with the native variety Cadarcă, of which it has won awards dating back to 1862! International varieties including Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are other red varieties grown here. Permitted white varieties include the native Fetească Regală and Fetească Albă, as well as Welschriesling, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer and Furmint.
Climate and Geography
The moderate, Mediterranean climate here provides long, warm autumns, which are ideal for the development of the region’s red grapes. Springs are also mild but rainfall can be quite high throughout the year. Soils vary quite considerably too, but are largely a mix of volcanic soils with shale and limestone.
Red Varieties
Cadarcă, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
White Varieties
Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă, Welschriesling, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer, Furmint
Climate
Moderate
Landscape
Hilly
Soil
Volcanic, shale, limestone, gravel
