Romanian Grapes
Complete List of Grape Varieties Cultivated in Romania,
Ranked by Importance
These grape varieties...
...showcase the rich diversity and unique heritage of Romania's viticulture, offering wine lovers a fascinating exploration of flavors and styles.
Indigenous Grape Varieties
1. Fetească Neagră
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Most important indigenous red grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Moldavia (Moldova), Muntenia & Oltenia (Dealu Mare)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Aromas of black fruits, spices, and dried plums; medium to full body, with a smooth texture and subtle tannins.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Often compared to Merlot for its versatility and richness.
2. Fetească Regală
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Most widely planted indigenous white grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania (Târnave), Moldavia, Muntenia & Oltenia
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Floral and citrus aromas with fresh acidity and light minerality.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Produces both dry and off-dry wines, excellent for aromatic blends.
3. Fetească Albă
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Historic white grape variety.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania, Moldavia (Cotnari)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Delicate floral aromas with hints of green apples and honey.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Often used for blending and known for its off-dry styles.
4. Grasă de Cotnari
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Traditional grape for sweet wines in Moldavia.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Moldavia (Cotnari)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Aromas of apricot, honey, and tropical fruits; rich and sweet on the palate.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Key grape in the noble rot wines from the Cotnari region.
5. Tămâioasă Românească
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Aromatic white grape believed to be related to Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Muntenia & Oltenia, Moldavia, Dobrogea.
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Intense muscat aromas with flavors of apricot, peach, and honey.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Used for aromatic and dessert wines, with notable examples from Dealu Mare and Cotnari.
6. Băbească Neagră
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
One of Romania’s oldest indigenous grapes.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Moldavia, Muntenia & Oltenia.
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Light to medium body with sour cherry and red currant flavors.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Ideal for fresh, easy-drinking red wines and blends.
7. Busuioacă de Bohotin
🗺️ TYPE :
Rosé
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Aromatic grape used for rosé wines.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Moldavia (Bohotin, Huși)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Aromas of roses, strawberries, and peaches; balanced sweetness and acidity.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Known for unique, semi-sweet rosé wines.
8. Mustoasă de Măderat
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Rare indigenous grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Crisana & Maramureș (Miniș-Măderat)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Fresh citrus and apple flavors, with good acidity.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Historically important grape in the Miniș-Măderat region.
9. Negru de Drăgășani
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Rare indigenous grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Muntenia & Oltenia (Drăgășani)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Notes of blackberries, cherries, and spices; medium to full body.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Often blended with international varieties for structure.
International Grape Varieties
Merlot
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Widely planted international red variety.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Muntenia & Oltenia (Dealu Mare), Moldavia, Dobrogea
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Rich flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate; medium to full body.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Found in many premium blends and as a single varietal wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
One of the most important international varieties.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Muntenia & Oltenia (Dealu Mare), Dobrogea, Banat
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Bold flavors of blackcurrant, cherry, and tobacco; firm tannins.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Often blended with Merlot and Fetească Neagră for structured red wines.
Pinot Noir
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Increasingly popular for cool-climate wines.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania (Târnave, Lechința), Banat
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Delicate flavors of red berries and earthy undertones; light to medium body.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Gaining recognition for its elegant, Burgundy-like styles.
Chardonnay
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Widely cultivated international white grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Muntenia & Oltenia (Dealu Mare), Transylvania, Dobrogea
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Aromas of apple, pear, and citrus; often oaked for richness.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Produces both unoaked and oaked styles, ideal for sparkling wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Popular international white variety.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania (Târnave), Muntenia & Oltenia, Moldavia
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Crisp citrus flavors with herbal notes and fresh acidity.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Used in aromatic blends and as a single varietal wine.
Riesling Italico (Welschriesling)
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Historic variety cultivated in Transylvania and Banat.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania, Banat, Crisana & Maramureș
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Light citrus and green apple flavors; good acidity and minerality.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Ideal for fresh, dry wines and sparkling wines.
Muscat Ottonel
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Aromatic international grape used for dessert wines.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania (Târnave), Moldavia, Dobrogea
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Aromas of orange blossom, honey, and apricot; sweet palate.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Often blended with other aromatic grapes like Tămâioasă Românească.
Syrah/Shiraz
🗺️ TYPE :
Red
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Emerging as an important international grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Dobrogea, Muntenia & Oltenia (Dealu Mare)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Flavors of blackberries, plums, and pepper; full body with firm tannins.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Produces powerful red wines, sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Traminer
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Aromatic international grape.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Transylvania (Târnave)
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Aromas of rose petals, lychee, and spices; medium body with crisp acidity.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Often blended with other aromatic varieties for complexity.
Aligoté
🗺️ TYPE :
White
📈 SIGNIFICANCE :
Historic French grape widely planted in Dobrogea.
📊 MAIN REGIONS :
Dobrogea, Muntenia & Oltenia
🍷 TASTING NOTES :
Fresh citrus flavors with high acidity and minerality.
📈 HIGHLIGHTS :
Ideal for blending or as a refreshing, light-bodied wine.