​The cultivation of grapes in Romania has a long tradition, a historically attested tradition that has put our country on the first place in the world from this point of view, as well as from the point of view of wine production. In fact, according to the OIVV (International Organization of Wine and Vine), Romania ranks 10th in the world in terms of vine area and 13th in the world in terms of wine produced. And every year, the wines produced in Romania are more and more appreciated both in the country and abroad.

Perhaps one of the main advantages of Romania as a wine-producing country is the eco-climatic differences of each region, differences that lead, among other things, to different varieties cultivated in certain areas and to different ripening periods. grape.

“There are 8 wine-growing regions in Romania, each of which has its own characteristics. Whether it’s altitude, exposure, slope, or the presence of bodies of water, each element can cause grapes to ripen differently. Moreover, given these differences, as well as the varieties grown, the quantitative or qualitative level of grapes varies from one region to another,” says Robert Baicoianu, Horticultural Sales Director at BASF Agricultural Solutions Romania.

But still, where does Romanian wine come from?

Our country is divided into 8 wine-growing regions – the Moldavian Mountains, the Transylvanian Plateau, the Muntenia and Oltenia Mountains, the Banat, Kryshana and Maramures Mountains, the Danube Terraces, the Dobrudja Mountains and, of course, the sands and other unfavorable areas in the south of the country. And each of these regions can boast famous vineyards.

“As you can see, geographical zones consist of one or more wine-growing regions. However, it is important to remember that vineyards should not be confused with producers. Several producers can belong to the same vineyard, just as one and the same producer can get grapes from several vineyards,” said Robert Baikoianu.

If we talk about the geographical areas of Romania, Moldova is the largest region. Famous vineyards are located here, such as: Kotnari, Iassi, Husi, Odobeshti, Panchiu, Koteshti or Nikoreshti. The wines produced in this area are mostly white, with a restrained hint of sweetness provided by the richness of extract and glycerin. Reds, produced in smaller volumes, are distinguished by balance.

“In Moldova we find mostly 100% Romanian varieties such as Galbenă de Odobești, Grasă de Cotnari, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Francuşă, Zghihară de Huși, Fetească Albă or Fetească Regală. There are, of course, foreign varieties, such as Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Ottonel,” emphasizes the representative of BASF.

Moving on, Muntenia this is another geographical area that includes several vineyards. But not only. In history, Muntenia was famous for the fact that in 1924, the first research station of viticulture and oenology in Romania was founded here.

If we mention the vineyards of Muntenia, the most famous is probably Dealu Mare, where some of the most aromatic red wine varieties in Romania are grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot or Fetiasca Neagre. In addition, according to Robert Beikoianu, Dealu Mare is one of the vineyards that has developed the most in recent years, thanks to the soil and climate conditions, history, proximity to industrial and urban areas, but above all, the investments made.

“The region benefits thanks to modern wineries and vineyards, with the adaptation of the varietal conveyor to new consumer demands, and wine tourism is gaining momentum,” says a company representative.

The region, whose history of viticulture and winemaking is not so long, but which is distinguished by varieties with specific aromas, – Dobruja. The first 10 hectares of grapes were planted here in 1907, and today the Murfatlar vineyard is known. The star varieties of this region are the varieties intended for white wines: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Aligote, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Ottonel.

Olten is another geographical region of Romania where grape growing has distant roots. why Because almost the most favorable conditions for growing grapes have been created here – from the geographical position or structure and composition of the soil to the warm climate. And here the most famous vineyards are Dealurile Craiovei, Podgoria Drăgăşani, Severin, Sâmbureşti or Plaiurile Drâncei.

In addition, Oltenia put Romania on the international wine map after Tămăioasă Românească won a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1887. And if you think about the varieties cultivated in Oltenia, Tâmiaoasa Românească, Negru de Drăgăşani, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră or Sauvignon Blanc will be in the first places.

AND Transylvania and Banat stand out as geographical regions where grape planting is a tradition. But this is, by definition, an area where dry white wines are born. Archaeologists have found objects that testify to the cultivation of wine in the area since the 6th century BC, and even from that time the most famous vineyards are Tarnave, Alba, Sebes-Apold, Ayud, Minis-Maderat and Diosig.

Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel or Italian Riesling are the varieties that can be grown in this region, but there are also red varieties such as: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cadarcă, Pinot Noir or Fetească Neagră.

Whether they are purely Romanian varieties or some imported from other parts of the world, Romania has gained a worldwide reputation over the last century. In addition, recent years have brought a revival of Romanian viticulture and winemaking thanks to the reconversion program and huge investments made in the sector. Year after year, Romanian wines are awarded medals at both local and international levels. And the number of wineries is growing, and the main task is to make a statement.

In fact, BASF continues to invest successfully to tell the story of Romanian wine. This approach is called Stories with Romanian wines, a competition that has been held every year since 2016. In this competition, small and medium-sized producers have a chance not only to win one of the prizes on offer, but also to gain exposure and undergo an extensive evaluation process by experts in the field. And these efforts can only lead to an even faster increase in the quality of wine from Romania, whether it is white, red, rosé, dry, dry or sweet, from Moldova, Transylvania, Dobrudja or Oltenia.

Article supported by BASF