When you think of wine countries, you don’t immediately think of Romania, but with 190,000 hectares of vineyards, it is one of the top 10 wine producing countries in Europe and the world. Anyone who has travelled to this beautiful and diverse country will be amazed by its wild and unspoilt side. Wine is such an integral part of everyday life that it is hard to get away from it. Everyone knows someone who makes their own wine. It doesn’t take much, a barrel or two, but always enough to share with friends or family. In addition, archaeological discoveries show that viticulture began in this area as early as the 6th millennium BC.
Wine country Romania
Romania produces around five million hectolitres of wine annually from its 190,000 hectares of vines, which corresponds to an annual turnover of 614.50 million euros in 2023. The seven main wine regions (Crișana, Banat, Dobruja, Transylvania, Oltenia, Muntenia, Moldavia), divided into a total of 54 sub-regions, produce 60% of white wines and 40% of red wines.
The climate
The soils and microclimates are so diverse that a wide range of grape varieties can thrive. Quality wine is produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties. The Black Sea contributes to a Mediterranean climate, while the Carpathian Arc protects the southern and eastern regions of the country from rainfall and cool winds.
Different regions – different wines
Romania’s winegrowers have different growing conditions for their vines. Transylvania, for example, a high plateau in the Carpathians, is known for its fruity, fresh white wines. The Dealu Mare region in southern Romania has great potential for full-bodied red wines. The vines grow in the foothills of the Carpathians and the climate is ideal thanks to the Black Sea. Dealu Mare is not called the “Bordeaux of Romania” for nothing. Wine-growing areas in the west of the country, such as the Banat region, specialise in red wines due to the relatively dry climate. The Dobrogea region, on the Black Sea, is now home to many international grape varieties such as Pinot Gris and Merlot.
White and red wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Fetească Albă and Welschriesling, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Fetească Neagră.
If you are unfamiliar with Romanian wines, it is well worth trying them.
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