In partnership with Wines of Romania
The incredible transformation of the wine industry in Romania over the past 20 to 30 years can only be understood by tasting the products of the investment and work of its many producers. While there’s undoubtedly been an incredible surge in quality, it’s the leap in expressiveness that heralds a promising future for Romanian wine. A new recognition of the terroirs and indigenous grape varieties that make them truly unique has unlocked the opportunity to bring something special to the international stage. The wines featured belowshow how Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Fetească Neagră and Negru de Drăgășani are able to adapt to the idiosyncrasies of producers and the variability of terroir without loss of identity.
The reds in particular showcase a wide range of winemaking styles focused on structure and ageability – but a rich fruit core is always preserved. Fetească Neagră’s capacity to produce robust yet approachable wines, underpinned by herbal freshness, is evident, as is the variety’s affinity with wood; even the examples in which oak influence is to the fore preserve a seductive balsamic lift and fleshiness of fruit throughout. Negru de Drăgășani, meanwhile, has the potential to produce true modern classics with good cellaring prospects.
If their diversity is striking, there are common denominators across wines and styles. Food-friendliness is perhaps the most important: Romanian wines offer the perfect excuse to discover the country’s many culinary specialties. Enjoy Fetească Albă-dominated wines with chicken stew or meatballs, or expressions
