Romania
Romania ranks as one of the top ten wine-producing countries, yet few Romanian wines are seen in Western countries. With the fall of the communist regime, however, this is slowly changing. Romania grows many international as well local grape varieties and produces a wide assortment of wines. In general, the white wines are better than the reds. Some of the white grapes grown here are Banat Riesling, Chardonnay, Feteasca% Alba%, Gewürztraminer, Grasa%, Muscat, Riesling, Rülander (Pinot Gris), and Tamiîoasa% Romaneasca. The red varieties used include Cabernet Sauvignon, Babeasca Neagra, Feteasca% Negra%, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The Tîrnave area in the northern part of the country (Transylvania) is thought to produce Romania’s best wines. By most accounts, however, the sweet sauternes-style wines from Cotnari in the northeast (Moldavia) are really the only ones worth seeking. Other growing areas include Stefa%nesti, Draga%sa%ni, and Segarcea, all in the southern part of the country; Odobes¸ti, Nicores¸ti, and Cotes¸ti in the eastern portion; Murfatlar near the Black Sea; the Banat Plain in the west; and Dealul Mare in the southeast where Pinot Noir and other international varieties are grown.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.