Romania

From the Carpathians to the Black Sea: 6000 Years of Wine Heritage

Romanian Wine Overview

Classification System

EU-aligned quality hierarchy

DOC-CMD Full maturity harvest
DOC-CT Late harvest
DOC-CIB Noble harvest (Botrytis)
IG Geographical Indication
33 DOCs Protected appellations

Aging Designations

VS Min. 1 year aging
VSO Min. 2 years aging
VSOC Min. 3 years (1 in bottle)
VSOP Min. 4 years (1 in bottle)
VV Collection wine (6+ years)

Industry Overview

13th Global 6th in Europe
180,000 ha Total vineyard area
4-5M hl Annual production
6,000 years Wine history
30+ Indigenous Native varieties

Wine Industry Development

4000 BC

Ancient Origins

Thracian winemaking

106 AD

Roman Dacia

Viticulture expansion

14th C

Medieval

Cotnari established

1880s

Phylloxera

Replanting with grafted vines

1948-89

Communist Era

Quantity focus, exports

1990s

Privatization

Industry restructuring

2007

EU Accession

Modernization funds

2010+

Quality Focus

Premium wines, terroir

Regional Structure

7
Wine Regions
Major zones
37
Podgorii
Vineyard areas
123
Wine Centers
Production hubs
33
DOCs
Protected appellations
12
IGs
Regional indications
#1
Fetească
Family of varieties

Transilvania (Transylvania)

Cool climate elegance in the Carpathian plateau

Târnave

Premier DOC

Romania's white wine jewel, protected by the Carpathians. Cool continental climate producing aromatic whites with Germanic influence.

Elevation 200-500m
Climate Cool Continental
Soils Clay, marl, volcanic
Focus Aromatic whites

Sub-zones

Jidvei Largest single owner (2,500 ha)
Blaj Historic wine center
Mediaș Saxon heritage

Top Producers

Jidvei Largest single estate in Europe
Liliac Premium quality focus
Villa Vinea Traditional methods
Serve Modern approach

QPR Champions

White
Jidvei Griviţa Fetească Regală
$8
White
Jidvei Owner's Choice Traminer
$12
White
Villa Vinea Gewürztraminer
$15

Other Transylvanian Areas

Historic wine zones with quality potential.

Alba Iulia: Ancient wine capital, sparkling focus
Sebeș-Apold: Small quality area
Aiud: Historic vineyards
Lechința: Aromatic white specialist

Moldova (Romanian Moldova)

Romania's largest wine region - diverse terroirs

Cotnari

Romania's Tokaji

Historic sweet wine region from the 15th century. Similar latitude to Tokaji with ideal noble rot conditions, producing Romania's most prestigious dessert wines.

Established 15th Century
Specialty Noble sweet
Key Grape Grasă de Cotnari
Styles Dry to noble

Traditional Grapes

Grasă de Cotnari Main variety, botrytis-prone
Fetească Albă Adds acidity
Tămâioasă Românească Aromatics
Frâncușă Local variety

Top Producers

Cotnari State company, historic cellars
Casa de Vinuri Cotnari Premium focus

QPR Champions

Sweet
Cotnari Grasă de Cotnari
$15
Sweet
Cotnari Tămâioasă Românească
$12

Iași

Historic Center

Continental climate with mix of indigenous and international varieties. Home to Romania's wine university.

Climate Continental
Focus Mixed styles
Sub-zones Copou, Bucium
Specialty Education

Top Producers

Casa Panciu Quality focus
Bucium Traditional methods

Other Moldovan DOCs

Huși: Red wine focus, Busuioacă de Bohotin
Nicorești: White wine specialist
Panciu: Sparkling wine center
Odobești: Large production area
Cotești: Quality reds emerging

Muntenia & Oltenia Hills

The Subcarpathian wine belt

Dealu Mare

Red Wine Capital

Romania's Bordeaux on the same latitude. South-facing slopes producing Romania's most prestigious red wines with significant international investment.

Latitude 45°N (Bordeaux)
Climate Continental-Med
Soils Red-brown forest
Focus Premium reds

Sub-zones

Tohani Premium reds
Urlați Mix of styles
Ceptura Quality focus
Merei Traditional area

Top Producers

SERVE Premium quality leader
Davino Modern excellence
Budureasca Quality at scale
Halewood UK investment

QPR Champions

Red
Budureasca Premium Fetească Neagră
$10
Red
SERVE Cuvée
$15
Red
Davino Domaine Ceptura Rouge
$18

Ștefănești

DOC

Ancient vineyards in Argeș with moderate climate and diverse varieties.

Oltenia

The southwestern wine lands

Drăgășani

Historic DOC

Olt River valley with long winemaking tradition. Home to unique indigenous varieties and emerging quality producers.

Location Olt Valley
Specialties Crâmpoșie, Novac
Style Traditional
Trend Quality rising

Top Producers

Prince Știrbey Historic estate, modern approach
Bauer Austrian investment
Avincis Premium focus

QPR Champions

Red
Prince Știrbey Novac
$12
White
Bauer Fetească Regală
$10

Other Oltenia DOCs

Sâmbureşti: Protected microclimate, Cabernet excellence
Segarcea: Historic estate, now revitalized
Mehedinți: Danube influence
Dealurile Craiovei: Emerging area

Dobrogea

Black Sea wines - Maritime influence

Murfatlar

Sunniest Region

Romania's sunniest wine region with 2,500 sunshine hours. Black Sea moderation creates ideal conditions for late harvest wines.

Sunshine 2,500 hours
Climate Continental-Maritime
Soils Loess, chalk
Styles Dry to sweet

Top Producers

Murfatlar Winery 3,000 ha estate
Crama Histria Quality focus
Alira Modern approach

QPR Champions

Red
Murfatlar Fetească Neagră
$8
Red
Crama Histria Negru de Histria
$15
Red
Alira Merlot
$12

Other Dobrogea Areas

Sarica-Niculițel: Oldest DOC (1904)
Babadag: Historic area
Istria-Baia: Ancient Greek influence
Adamclisi: Roman heritage

Other Wine Regions

Crișana & Maramureș

Northwestern Wines

Continental climate with Hungarian influence and traditional methods.

DOCs: Miniș, Diosig, Valea lui Mihai

Banat

Western Frontier

Historic region with mixed influences and quality potential.

DOCs: Recaș, Buziaș, Moldova Nouă
Top Producer: Cramele Recaș (large modern producer)

Key Grape Varieties

From ancient Fetească to modern varieties

Fetească Neagră

Romania's Noble Red

The "Black Maiden" - Indigenous variety with 2000+ year history. Medium-bodied with elegant tannins, showing black cherry, plum, and herbs. Romania's answer to Pinot Noir.

History 2000+ years
Style Elegant, Pinot-like
Best Regions Dealu Mare
Aging 10+ years

The Fetească Family

Fetească Neagră
Red Variety Elegant, medium-bodied, Pinot-like structure
Fetească Albă
White Variety Crisp, mineral, citrus notes, versatile
Fetească Regală
Aromatic White Floral, Muscat-like, peach and honey notes

Benchmark Producers

SERVE Premium single vineyard
Davino Modern excellence
Prince Știrbey Historic estate quality

Indigenous Treasures

Grasă de Cotnari

Noble sweet wine grape

Character Botrytis-prone
Style Rich, honeyed
Region Only in Cotnari
Comparison Romania's Sauternes

Tămâioasă Românească

Romanian Frankincense

Profile Intensely aromatic
Not Related To Muscat family
Styles Dry to sweet
Tradition Church wine grape

Regional Specialties

Unique local varieties

Busuioacă de Bohotin Aromatic red, semi-sweet
Băbească Neagră "Grandmother's grape"
Novac Drăgășani specialty
Crâmpoșie White, Oltenia focus

International Varieties

Established Success

Proven Performers
Merlot Widely planted
Cabernet Sauvignon Premium reds
Chardonnay Modern styles

Key Regions: Dealu Mare, Murfatlar

Style: International with Romanian terroir

Rising Stars

Modern Focus
Pinot Noir Cool climate
Sauvignon Blanc Fresh styles
Italian Riesling Widely planted

Trend: Single vineyard focus

Watch: Syrah and Pinot Gris experiments

30+
Indigenous
Native varieties
60%
White Grapes
Production focus
3
Fetească Types
Variety family
2000+
Years
Fetească history

Food & Wine Pairing

Masa românească - where ancient traditions meet modern winemaking

Romanian Pairing Philosophy

Tradiție și Inovație

Dacian Heritage

Ancient Vines 2000+ year tradition
Indigenous Grapes Unique varieties
Fetească Legacy National treasures

Balkan Flavors

Hearty Cuisine Substantial dishes
Sour & Savory Ciorbă culture
Mămăligă Base Polenta tradition

Orthodox Traditions

Fasting Foods Seasonal eating
Feast Days Celebration wines
Țuică Ritual Welcome tradition

Iconic Romanian Pairings

🥟
Sarmale + Fetească Neagră
National perfection
🍖
Mici + Băbească Neagră
Grill classic
🍲
Ciorbă de burtă + Fetească Albă
Hangover cure
🐟
Saramură + Tămâioasă
Danube tradition
🧀
Mămăligă cu brânză + Grasa de Cotnari
Comfort pairing
🍰
Cozonac + Busuioacă de Bohotin
Holiday magic

Traditional Romanian Cuisine

Classic Romanian Dishes

Sarmale în foi de viță/varză
Fetească Neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Mici (Mititei)
Băbească Neagră, Fetească Neagră, Burgund Mare
Ciorbă de burtă
Fetească Albă, Crâmpoșie, crisp whites
Ciorbă de perișoare
Fetească Regală, Sauvignon Blanc
Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână
Grasa de Cotnari, Zghihară de Huși
Tochitura moldovenească
Negru de Purcari, bold reds
Drob de miel
Pinot Noir, Merlot rosé
Ciorbă de fasole cu ciolan
Băbească Neagră, rustic reds
Iahnie de fasole
Simple reds, Novac
Ostropel de pui
Fetească Regală, light reds
Piftie (Răcituri)
Țuică, crisp whites
Ciulama de pui
Chardonnay, creamy whites

Grilled & Roasted Meats

Frigarui
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Pastramă de oaie
Negru de Drăgășani, aged reds
Ceafă de porc la grătar
Fetească Neagră, Merlot
Berbec la proțap
Premium reds, Flamboyant
Miel la cuptor
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Cârnați de casă
Băbească Neagră, rustic reds
Lebăr
Simple reds, country wines
Șnițel
Pinot Grigio, light whites
Chiftele
Merlot, medium reds
Slănină afumată
Țuică, robust reds
Cotlet de porc
Pinot Noir, Zweigelt
Tobă
Simple wines, pălincă

Fish & Seafood (Black Sea & Danube)

Saramură de crap
Tămâioasă Românească, aromatic whites
Plachie de pește
Fetească Albă, Sauvignon Blanc
Novac la grătar
Chardonnay, white blends
Storceag
Fetească Regală, crisp whites
Somn pane
Pinot Grigio, Italian varietals
Salată de icre
Sparkling wine, Prosecco
Scrumbie la grătar
Riesling, high-acid whites
Midii
Aligoté, mineral whites
Calcan
Premium whites, Viognier
Păstrăv la grătar
Rhine Riesling, elegant whites
Raci de Dunăre
Fetească Albă, local whites
Batog marinat
Rosé, light wines

Regional Specialties

Bulz (Transilvania)
Fetească Albă, mountain whites
Balmoș (Ardeal)
Traminer, aromatic whites
Papricaș (Banat)
Cadarcă, Hungarian varietals
Pârjoale moldovenești
Băbească Neagră, regional reds
Tochitură dobrogeană
Merlot de Murfatlar
Ciorbă rădăuțeană
Fetească Regală, crisp whites
Zamă de găină (Moldova)
Light whites, Aligoté
Ghiveci călugăresc
Rosé, vegetarian wines
Salată de vinete
Tămâioasă, aromatic whites
Zacuscă
Light reds, rosé
Salată de boeuf
Sparkling, festive wines
Colivă
Sweet wines, ceremonial

Romanian Wine Styles Guide

Wine-First Approach

Indigenous Red Varieties

Fetească Neagră Sarmale, roasted meats, game, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes, traditional stews
Băbească Neagră Grilled meats, mici, sausages, rustic dishes, everyday cuisine, casual dining
Negru de Drăgășani Premium meats, special occasions, aged preparations, complex dishes
Novac Modern cuisine, medium meats, contemporary preparations, versatile pairing
Negru de Purcari Historic blend, ceremonial meals, luxury dining, aged meats
Burgund Mare Light meats, poultry, soft cheeses, delicate preparations
Cadarcă Hungarian-influenced dishes, paprika foods, light reds tradition
Negru Aromat Aromatic dishes, spiced meats, exotic preparations, modern cuisine

Indigenous White Varieties

Fetească Albă Fish dishes, light meats, salads, aperitif, ciorbă, fresh cheeses
Fetească Regală Poultry, creamy dishes, vegetable preparations, everyday dining
Grasa de Cotnari Foie gras, blue cheese, desserts, special occasions, meditation wine
Tămâioasă Românească Aromatic cuisine, Asian dishes, spiced foods, fish, exotic preparations
Crâmpoșie Light dishes, summer foods, aperitif, simple preparations
Galbena de Odobești Traditional foods, regional dishes, everyday wines, local cuisine
Zghihară de Huși Light foods, casual dining, picnic wines, simple pairings
Busuioacă de Bohotin Desserts, sweet preparations, holiday treats, celebration wines

International Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon Grilled beef, lamb, aged cheeses, international cuisine, steakhouse fare
Merlot Roasted meats, pasta, soft cheeses, versatile pairing, everyday dining
Pinot Noir Duck, salmon, mushrooms, lighter meats, elegant preparations
Shiraz/Syrah BBQ, spiced meats, pepper dishes, bold flavors, winter foods
Chardonnay Creamy dishes, roasted chicken, buttery fish, international style
Sauvignon Blanc Goat cheese, herbs, salads, fish, summer dishes, vegetarian
Riesling Spicy foods, Asian cuisine, river fish, aromatic dishes
Pinot Grigio Light seafood, salads, aperitif, simple preparations

Regional Wine Styles

Dealu Mare Reds Premium reds for special occasions, aged meats, fine dining, cellar-worthy
Murfatlar Wines Sea-influenced wines, seafood, Black Sea cuisine, late harvest specialties
Cotnari Whites Noble sweet wines, desserts, foie gras, meditation, historic tradition
Drăgășani Wines Elegant styles, balanced wines, versatile pairings, quality focus
Miniș-Măderat Historic region, traditional styles, local cuisine, authentic pairings
Recaș Wines Modern styles, international varieties, contemporary cuisine
Jidvei Wines Transylvanian whites, crisp styles, mountain cuisine
Odobești Wines Traditional varieties, regional foods, authentic Romanian style

Sparkling & Sweet Wines

Traditional Method Sparkling Celebrations, caviar, appetizers, New Year's Eve, weddings
Charmat Method Casual celebrations, brunch, light foods, everyday sparkling
Grasa de Cotnari Noble Foie gras, blue cheese, luxury desserts, special occasions
Late Harvest Tămâioasă Fruit desserts, sweet pastries, afternoon tea, mild cheeses
Ice Wine Premium desserts, meditation, special gifts, luxury occasions
Busuioacă de Bohotin Sweet Traditional desserts, cozonac, holiday treats, celebration

Spirits & Traditional

Țuică/Pălincă Welcome drink, digestif, winter warmer, traditional ceremonies
Vișinată Dessert pairing, after dinner, celebration drink
Afinată Digestif, mountain tradition, after heavy meals
Zmeurată Summer drink, dessert pairing, festive occasions

Romanian Cheese & Charcuterie

Brânzeturi și Mezeluri

Traditional Cheeses

Telemea Fetească Albă, crisp whites
Cașcaval Medium reds, Merlot
Brânză de burduf Fetească Neagră, bold reds
Urdă Light whites, sweet wines
Brânză de vaci Simple whites, rosé
Năsal Aged reds, premium wines
Cașul Young wines, light styles
Brânză topită Everyday wines
Brânză de Sibiu Transylvanian whites

Romanian Charcuterie

Cârnați de Pleșcoi Băbească Neagră, spicy reds
Salam de Sibiu Pinot Noir, elegant reds
Babic Simple reds, country wines
Ghiudem Bold reds, winter wines
Pastramă Fetească Neagră, aged reds
Șuncă afumată Medium reds, Merlot
Caltaboș Rustic reds, țuică
Lebărvurst Simple wines, beer
Muschi țigănesc Premium reds, special occasions

Pickled & Preserved

Murături asortate High-acid whites, țuică
Gogonele Robust wines needed
Varză murată Riesling, crisp whites
Castraveți murați Light wines, beer
Ardei iuți Sweet wines, off-dry
Salată de roșii verzi Versatile wines
Dulceață Sweet wines, dessert styles

Quick Pairing Reference

By Food Category

Ciorbe & Supe

Ciorbă de burtă Fetească Albă
Ciorbă de legume Light whites
Ciorbă de pui Fetească Regală
Ciorbă de fasole Rustic reds
Ciorbă de pește Tămâioasă
Ciorbă țărănească Rosé
Ciorbă de văcuță Medium reds

Grătar & Friptură

Mici Băbească Neagră
Ceafă Fetească Neagră
Frigarui Cabernet Sauvignon
Cotlet Pinot Noir
Piept de pui Chardonnay
Berbec Premium reds
Pastramă Aged reds

Deserturi

Cozonac Busuioacă de Bohotin
Papanași Late Harvest
Sărmăluțe dulci Sweet Tămâioasă
Plăcintă Moscato-style
Cornulețe Sweet wines
Amandine Noble sweet
Cremă de zahăr ars Grasa de Cotnari

Seasonal Romanian Wine Guide

Anotimpuri
🌸 Primăvară
March-May Fresh whites, rosé, Easter lamb with Fetească Neagră, spring salads, Orthodox fasting wines
☀️ Vară
June-August Tămâioasă with fish, rosé all day, Black Sea wines, mici & beer gardens, festival wines
🍂 Toamnă
September-November Harvest season, must and new wine, mushroom dishes, grape festivals, hearty reds emerge
❄️ Iarnă
December-February Vin fiert (mulled wine), heavy stews with aged reds, Christmas wines, pig slaughter feast

Traditional Romanian Meal Structure

Masa Românească
Țuică/Pălincă
Welcome Shot Traditional greeting, room temperature, one shot ritual
Gustări
Appetizers Light wines or beer with zacuscă, salată de vinete, mezeluri
Ciorbă
Sour Soup Often wine-free course, or light whites with fish ciorbă
Fel Principal
Main Course Red wines with meat dishes, whites with fish or chicken
Garnitură
Side Dishes Continue with main wine, mămăligă essential
Salată
Salad Fresh or pickled, wine pairing depends on vinegar level
Brânză
Cheese Course Romanian cheeses with appropriate wines
Desert
Dessert Sweet wines, Cotnari specialties, coffee follows
Digestiv
After Dinner Another țuică/pălincă, vișinată, or afinată for digestion

Sommelier Pro Tips for Romanian Wine

Fetească Trilogy: Albă (white) is crisp, Regală (royal) is aromatic, Neagră (black) is elegant red
Țuică Protocol: Never refuse first shot, sip don't shoot if offered premium, room temperature traditional
Sarmale Secret: Cabbage rolls need tannic reds, vine leaf version pairs with lighter wines
Mici Magic: Must have mustard and beer OR Băbească Neagră - national BBQ treasure
Cotnari Noble: Romania's answer to Tokaji - Grasa de Cotnari can age 50+ years
Black Sea Influence: Murfatlar wines have maritime character - great with seafood
Ciorbă Challenge: Sour soups difficult to pair - crisp whites or skip wine
Temperature Matters: Serve Romanian reds slightly cooler, whites well-chilled
Dealu Mare Premium: Romania's Bordeaux - seek out single vineyards for special occasions
Value Hunting: Indigenous varieties offer exceptional QPR vs international grapes
Orthodox Fasting: Many traditional dishes have vegan versions for fasting periods
Noroc!: Traditional toast meaning "good luck" - maintain eye contact

Practical Information

Understanding Romanian Wine Labels

Romanian Term English Description
Vin Wine Basic wine term
Roșu/Alb/Roze Red/White/Rosé Wine colors
Crama/Cramele Winery/Wineries Producer designation
Podgorie Vineyard region Wine growing area
Recoltă Vintage Harvest year
Îmbuteliat Bottled Bottling info
Cules la maturitate deplină Full maturity harvest DOC-CMD designation
Cules târziu Late harvest DOC-CT wines
Struguri nobili Noble rot grapes Botrytis wines
Rezervă Reserve Aged wines

Vintage Guide (Recent)

2018: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, balanced vintage

2019: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good quality, fresh wines

2020: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Warm, ripe vintage

2021: ⭐⭐⭐ Challenging, variable quality

2022: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hot, drought, concentrated

2023: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good potential

Serving Temperatures

Light Whites

8-10°C
Fetească Albă

Aromatic

10-12°C
Tămâioasă

Medium Reds

16-18°C
Fetească Neagră

Full Reds

18-20°C
Cabernet blends

Wine Tourism

Must-Visit Regions

Dealu Mare 1.5 hours from Bucharest
Transylvania Castles and wine
Cotnari Historic sweet wines
Murfatlar Black Sea combination

Wine Routes & Events

Dealu Mare Wine Route Premium estates tour
RoWine Fair March - major trade show
Harvest Festivals September-October celebrations
Wine Salon November - premium tasting

Investment Wines

Top collectible Romanian wines with aging potential

1
Davino Domaine Ceptura Black
Icon Fetească Neagră blend
$50
2
SERVE Fetească Neagră Reserve
Single vineyard excellence
$35
3
Cotnari Grasă CIB
Noble sweet, decades aging
$25
4
Davino Flamboyant
Premium red blend
$35
5
Budureasca Noble 5
Five variety blend
$18

Romanian Wine Price Guide

Category USD Examples
Entry Level $5-10 Recaș, Jidvei basics
Premium $10-20 Budureasca, SERVE
Super Premium $20-40 Single vineyard, reserves
Icon $40-80 Davino, top estates
Rare/Aged $80+ Vintage Cotnari, library wines

Quick Reference

Top Daily Drinker Picks

Style Region Specific Bottle MSRP
Indigenous Red Dealu Mare SERVE Fetească Neagră $15
Premium Red Dealu Mare Davino Flamboyant $35
Aromatic White Târnave Jidvei Traminer $12
Fetească Regală Târnave Liliac Private Selection $10
Sweet Wine Cotnari Cotnari Grasă CIB $25
Cabernet Blend Dealu Mare Budureasca Noble 5 $18
Value Red Recaș Cramele Recaș Merlot $8
Rosé Murfatlar Alira Rosé $10
Sparkling Panciu Jidvei Brut $12
Icon Wine Dealu Mare Davino Domaine Ceptura Black $50

Top 10 Wines to Understand Romania

1
Fetească Neagră from Dealu Mare
The noble indigenous red - elegant and age-worthy
2
Grasă de Cotnari Noble Late Harvest
Historic sweet wine tradition - Romania's liquid gold
3
Fetească Regală from Târnave
Popular aromatic white - accessible Romanian character
4
Premium Cabernet from Dealu Mare
International style excellence with Romanian terroir
5
Tămâioasă Românească
Unique aromatic variety - church wine tradition
6
Fetească Albă
Ancient white variety - crisp and mineral
7
Busuioacă de Bohotin
Traditional semi-sweet red - authentic folk style
8
Novac from Drăgășani
Regional specialty red - unique character
9
Black Sea Merlot
Murfatlar maritime influence - sunny and ripe
10
Transylvanian Gewürztraminer
Cool climate aromatics - Alpine freshness