Romania

Regional History & Terroir: Romania has a winemaking history that stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of grape cultivation and wine production dating back to ancient times. The region benefits from a diverse terroir, including rolling hills, river valleys, and plateaus. What's interesting is that they do have so ancient grapes that managed to survive the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. With the same latitude of France, the cliamte is ideal for producing not only local native grapes, but also vines of classic French varietals that were imported after the plague.

Typical Grape Varietals: Romania boasts a wide range of grape varietals, including both indigenous and international varieties. Indigenous white grape varietals such as Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, and Tămâioasă Românească are highly regarded for their aromatic qualities and vibrant flavors, and are often shared with Moldova. Indigenous red grape varietals include Fetească Neagră, Novac, and Rara Neagra. International varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are also cultivated in Romania.

Regional Wine Styles: Romania produces a variety of wine styles, ranging from dry to sweet, still to sparkling. The country is renowned for its rich and aromatic white wines, often expressing flavors of ripe fruits, floral notes, and minerality. Romanian red wines showcase a range of styles, from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex, with flavors of red berries, plums, and spices. Romania is also recognized for its production of sweet wines, including late harvest and botrytized wines, which display luscious sweetness and concentrated flavors.

Romania's winemakers combine traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques, aiming to produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the region. The country's wineries offer picturesque landscapes, historical charm, and warm hospitality, making wine tourism an enriching experience. Romania's wines are gaining recognition on the international stage, making it an exciting destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore the diverse and evolving wine scene of Eastern Europe. Read up more here!