Uniquely Romanian Wine
Romania is steeped in winemaking tradition with a history of Oenology and viticulture that dates back 4,000 years. Despite the political and ideological setbacks of the last century Romania is becoming one of the most interesting wine producing nations in Europe with a growing reputation for individuality in terms of both its winemakers and its indigenous varietal plantings.
The diversity of Romania allows fruit expression through regionality; the planting of international grape varieties along with indigenous varietals is influenced by both the winemaker and the terroir, allowing Romania to hold on to its heritage whilst engaging with modernity.
Fetească Albă (or White Maiden in English) is the most widely planted white grape in Romania and regarded by many winemakers in Romania as the white indigenous grape with the most potential. Usually off dry it is capable of producing dessert wines of exceptional quality.
Intensely aromatic (think Gewurztraminer) Fetească Albă is a highly perfumed wine with hints of stone peaches, apricots and a floral bouquet. The variety dates back to the 1930’s from Transylvania but now flourishes across Romania particularly in Banat, Odobesti and Cotnari.
Fetească Regală (or Royal Maiden in English) is the Royal grape exclusive to Romania. It is a cross between two grape varieties - Fetească Albă and Grasă de Cotnari and again originates from Transylvania. Regală has the aromatic quality of Fetească Albă but is a weightier grape with more body.
The Regală also has a citrusy edge to its character with lots of orange and lemony fruit. Fetească Regală works well with oak and can produce bigger wines with a slightly spicy finish.
Fetească Neagră (or Black Maiden in English) is an old native variety that originates from Moldova and Muntenia and again is capable of producing some great wines of deep colour although the vine needs constant care. The later the grapes are picked the better the results and a constant trimming programme to arrest the vigour produce excellent results.
Fetească Neagră is a bramble fruited red with hints of soft cherry. It can vary greatly depending on terroir and oak influence, some can be earthy while others can boast flavours of cappuccino and vanilla.
Tămâioasă Românească described by Jancis Robinson as the ‘frankincense grape’ due to its aroma, Tămâioasă is one of the ancient varieties of Romania. Romanians love the versatility of the grape, it can be fermented dry which produces amazing results or up to and over 150g/l of residual sugar.
A version of Muscat Blanc a petits grains, the variety naturally sweet does exceptionally well in the Pietroasele region with its stony soils. One to watch!
Fetească
Albă
Fetească
Regală
Fetească
Neagră
Tămâioasă
Românească