Exploring Romania's Unique Grape Varieties: An Introduction to the Rich and Diverse Flavours of the Carpathian Mountains

06/01/2023

Romanian wines are some of the world's most underrated and overlooked wines. Although the country is home to a long-standing winemaking tradition, it's only recently that Romanian wines have begun to gain international recognition. While the country's wine industry is relatively small, what Romania lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality and diversity. 

In Romania, grapes are grown all over the country, and many of these grapes are found nowhere else.

Fetească Neagră

One of Romania's most popular grape varieties, Fetească Neagră (Black Maiden), is a red grape variety widely grown in the country and cultivated for more than 2000 years. This dark-skinned grape is most commonly used to create dry red and rosé wines with a deep, fruity flavour and aromas of black currants, dried plums and blackberries, along with a nice coffee and dark chocolate hints.

The variety is also known for its ability to age well, with its full-bodied, tannic structure and earthy notes becoming more complex with time. Feteasca Neagra is typically blended with other varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, to produce wines with a unique character. The flavours in these wines range from blackberry, cherry, and plum to cedar and tobacco. Feteasca Neagra is a grape variety embraced by winemakers worldwide and is an excellent addition to any cellar.

Anima - 3 Fete Negre 

Nomad - Feteasca Neagra 

Artisan - Feteasca Neagra  

Fetească Albă

Another widely grown grape variety in Romania is Feteasca Alba, known in the area for several centuries. It is a late-ripening variety that can produce wines with a light to medium body, pleasant acidity, and aromas and flavours of apples, pears, and floral notes that are often used to produce aromatic and light-bodied white wines. Fetească Alba wines are typically characterised by aromas of white flowers, apples, and pears, with a light and delicate flavour. It is also often blended with other grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscat Ottonel.

Feteasca Alba is a versatile variety that can be used to make a variety of styles, from sweet to dry, still to sparkling. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for creating exceptional wines that can be enjoyed worldwide.


Nomad - Feteasca Alba

Nomad - Feteasca Alba Organic

Tămâioasă Românească 

The white grape of Tămâioasă Românească is another variety that is widely grown in Romania. It is a late-ripening variety that produces a dry, full-bodied white wine with fruity aromas and flavours. The wine has a light yellow-green colour and a crisp finish, and it pairs well with seafood, poultry, and salads.

Tamaioasa Romaneasca is also used for producing sparkling wines, as well as some sweet wines. It produces full-bodied and fruity white wines with melon, apples, and pears aromas. The variety is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to create a unique flavour.

This variety has a long history in Romania and is believed to have been introduced by the Roman settlers. The region of Dealu Mare is known for producing some of the best examples of Tamaioasa Romaneasca wines. The grape is also grown in other parts of Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. This is an excellent variety for those who want to explore the unique flavours of Romanian wines.

Artisan - Tamaioasa Romaneasca (Sweet) 

Artisan - Tamaioasa Romaneasca (Dry)

Feteasca Regală 

The white grape of Tămâioasă Românească is another variety that is widely grown in Romania. It is a late-ripening variety that produces a dry, full-bodied white wine with fruity aromas and flavours. The wine has a light yellow-green colour and a crisp finish, and it pairs well with seafood, poultry, and salads.

Tamaioasa Romaneasca is also used for producing sparkling wines, as well as some sweet wines. It produces full-bodied and fruity white wines with melon, apples, and pears aromas. The variety is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to create a unique flavour.

This variety has a long history in Romania and is believed to have been introduced by the Roman settlers. The region of Dealu Mare is known for producing some of the best examples of Tamaioasa Romaneasca wines. The grape is also grown in other parts of Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. This is an excellent variety for those who want to explore the unique flavours of Romanian wines.

Nomad - Feteasca Regala  

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