Romania

Question 1

What major shift occurred in Romanian viticulture after the fall of Communism in 1989?

Answer 1

Shift to privatization and focus on quality

The lead-up to EU accession in 2007 marked a significant transition in the industry.

Question 2

What was the primary emphasis of the Romanian government on winemaking during Communist rule?

Answer 2

Quantity and equality, leading to poorer quality

Vineyard acreage expanded with substandard grapes and hybrids.

Question 3

What percentage of wine production in Romania was constituted by cooperatives by the end of the 1980s?

Answer 3

Over 60%

Winemaking was primarily in the hands of huge cooperatives.

Question 4

As of 2017, what is the approximate area of vineyard land in Romania?

Answer 4

Around 180,000 hectares

This area has stabilized after a decrease in recent years.

Question 5

What grape variety leads red grape plantings in Romania as of 2017?

Answer 5

Merlot

Romania is increasing plantings of red grapes and international varieties.

Question 6

What are the two broad categories of Romanian wine law?

Answer 6

Wines for Current Consumption and Quality Wines

These categories follow EU legislation.

Question 7

What does VM stand for in Romanian wine classification?

Answer 7

Vin de Masa (table wine)

VMS stands for Vin de Masa Superior (superior table wine).

Question 8

What is the minimum percentage of grapes that must be produced in the area specified on the label for Vin cu Indicatie wines?

Answer 8

85%

This designation is a PGI classification.

Question 9

How many PGIs are responsible for about 9% of Romanian wine production?

Answer 9

12 PGIs

These are designated areas for specific wine production.

Question 10

What are the three subcategories of DOC wines in Romania?

Answer 10

• DOC-CMD: grapes harvested at full maturity
• DOC-CT: late-harvested grapes
• DOC-CIB: botrytis-affected grapes

DOC wines are classified as PDO wines and may be produced from authorized Vitis vinifera varieties.

Question 11

Which indigenous white grapes are most cultivated in Romania?

Answer 11

• Feteasca Alb
• Fetească Regal

These indigenous grapes can be an advantage in niche markets.

Question 12

What percentage of overall production did DOC wines comprise in Romania by 2017?

Answer 12

Nearly 30%

This reflects the increasing focus on quality.

Question 13

True or False: Romania has a domestic preference for red wines.

Answer 13

False

About 60% of its production is white wine.

Question 14

What are some of the international grape varieties that Romania is turning toward?

Answer 14

• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir

These varieties are aimed at satisfying export markets.

Question 15

What is the role of Vitis vinifera varieties in DOC wine production?

Answer 15

They must be recommended and authorized

Hybrids are excluded from DOC wine production.

Question 16

What indigenous red grapes in Romania can achieve higher quality?

Answer 16

• Fetească Neagă
• Burgund Mare
• Băbeasc Neagr

Rosioara is generally reserved for table wine production.

Question 17

What does Rezervă indicate in terms of wine aging?

Answer 17

A minimum of six months in oak and six months in bottle.

This term is used to denote specific aging requirements for quality wines.

Question 18

What is the minimum aging requirement for Vin de Vinotecă?

Answer 18

At least one year in oak and four years in the bottle before release.

This term ensures a higher quality standard for the wine.

Question 19

How does Romania’s climate compare to France despite similar latitude?

Answer 19

Romania has a continental climate moderated by the Black Sea.

The climate influences the types of grapes that can be cultivated.

Question 20

What geographical feature dominates the center of Romania?

Answer 20

The Carpathian Mountains.

These mountains significantly affect the climate and vineyard locations.

Question 21

Which river marks Romania’s southern border with Serbia?

Answer 21

The Danube River.

This river flows eastward into the Black Sea.

Question 22

Name one of Romania’s wine regions located along the outer slopes of the Carpathians.

Answer 22

• Moldavan Hills
• Muntenia-Oltenia
• Banat
• Crisana-Maramures
• Dobrogea
• Danube Terraces
• Transylvanian Plateau
• Sands

These regions are known for their distinct wine production.

Question 23

What is notable about the Transylvanian Plateau?

Answer 23

It contains Romania’s highest vineyards, buffered by the Carpathian peaks.

This elevation contributes to unique growing conditions.

Question 24

What type of wines does the Jidvei DOC produce?

Answer 24

White wines of high acidity from several varieties, including Fetească grapes and Traminer Rosé.

This region is one of Romania’s coolest and most important wine areas.

Question 25

Which DOC in Moldavia is known for sweet white wines?

Answer 25

Cotnari DOC. ## Footnote These wines were historically renowned, comparable to Tokaji and Constantia.

Question 26

What is the most prominent grape in Cotnari?

Answer 26

Grasă de Cotnari. ## Footnote It is capable of reaching extreme ripeness levels.

Question 27

Name two grapes that may be blended with Grasă in Cotnari.

Answer 27

* Frâncusa * Tămâioasã Românească * Fetească Albă ## Footnote These can be vinified and bottled separately as varietal wines.

Question 28

What type of slopes characterize the Dealu Mare DOC?

Answer 28

South-facing slopes at an elevation of 200-350 meters. ## Footnote These slopes are gaining a reputation for red wines.

Question 29

What red wine varietals are becoming popular in Dealu Mare DOC?

Answer 29

* Cabernet Sauvignon * Pinot Noir ## Footnote The region is recognized for its quality red wine production.

Question 30

What is Murfatlar DOC known for in its past?

Answer 30

Late-harvest Chardonnay. ## Footnote It is now developing a reputation for soft styles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Question 31

How has the climate in Dobrogea influenced farming practices?

Answer 31

Encouraged more organic farming in recent years. ## Footnote The dry climate is conducive to organic practices.

Question 32

Map of Romania

Answer 32