Romanian wine and spirits

Links

Romanian Cultural Centre for supplies of Romanian Wine (and Ursus beer) in the UK.
cotnari.co.uk currently a single page website, but may evolve.

Recommended Reading:

Johnson Hugh & Robinson Jancis The World Atlas of Wine Mitchel Beazley, London (258-259) 5th Edition 2001. ISBN 10 1840003324
Walton Stuart The World Encyclopedia of WINE Lorenz Books, London (196-197) 1999 ISBN 07545 0400 3
Maureen Carnell and Tony Redman A Taste of Transylvania. PDF Order Form (108Kb)

General Background

Lack of investment and quality control has held back development of the Romanian wine industry, but there is huge potential for a significant impact in the near future. Romania always had some excellent wines, that after the collapse of the Ceausescu regime are beginning to re-establish themselves on the international market. The country is the 5^th largest grower and producer of wine in Europe. The vast majority, which is mainly white wine, is used for home consumption. Wine is grown throughout the country, the climate being dependable and amenable, and there are some excellent indigenous varieties of grape.

Grapes and Wine growing regions

Two versions of the Feteasca grape are widely planted for white wine, and the Merlot is the most planted for red wine.

Dealul Mare north east of Budapest.

Mainly good Pinot Noir.

Cotnari north of Iasi near the border with Moldova.

Cotnari specialises in Tamaiioasa and Grasa varieties to produce sweet dessert wines.

Murfatlar near Constanta on the Black Sea coast.

Mainly dessert wines.

Istria and Babadag near the Danube Delta.

Mainly Cabernet and Merlot wines.

The following is the result of some pleasurable research on my part, into the availabilty of Romanian wine from UK supermarkets, and also the wines that I have sampled when visiting the country.

UK Supermarket wines
Prahova Valley - Pinot Noir
	From: Co-op Label contents: PINOT NOIR, DEALUL MARE WINE REGION The wine is produced at Prahova Winecellars in the sub-Carpathian foothills. The nose is blackcurrant with a hint of strawberry and the taste is big, fruity and well balanced with a long lingering berry finish. Serve at room temperature with red meats and pasts dishes. My comments; Cost=£3.49 Alcohol=12% A harsh, sharp, tannin taste with no hint of berries and a decided attack on the tooth enamel. Not recommended.
Reka Valley - Pinot Noir
	From: Tesco Label contents: ROMANIAN PINOT NOIR STYLE: A medium bodied red wine with a strawberry flavour and a hint of spice SOURCE: Produced from the Pinot Noir grape grown in the region of Dealul Mare, north of Bucharest. SERVE:At room temperature. An ideal partner to game and casseroles. My comments; Cost=£2.99 Alcohol=12% A reasonable body to the wine, improves with temperature.
Romanian Prairie - Merlot 1998
	From: Co-Op Label contents: Front ROMANIAN PRAIRIE Merlot Doc Dealu Mare 1998 SPECIALLY SELECTED FOR THE CO-OP IMPORTED BY CWS LTD., NEW CENTURY HOUSE, MANCHESTER M60 4ES UK BOTTLED BY D-RP 342 899 AT D55411 BINGEN Label contents: Back ROMANIAN PRAIRIE Merlot Doc Dealu Mare 1998 This Merlot has been made from old vines in south east Romania which produce wines with great depth of flavour and character. The wine maker has married the remarkable traditions of Romania with the latest techniques used in the new world, resulting in a wine which is subtly oaked with soft red berry flavours and a rich plum and vanilla bouquet. Best served at room temperature with red meat, game or cheese. www.co-operative.co.uk My comments; Cost=£3.49 Alcohol=13% From the Dealu Mare region. A forgetable wine, there are better Merlot wines available from Romania.
Val Duná - Merlot
	From: One Stop Label contents: VAL DUNÁ ® Romanian Red A deliciously light red wine with a soft summer fruit bouquet and subtle strawberry fruit flavours. This wine is great for picnics, parties or any time. Serve slightly cooler than room temperature, on its own or with light simple foods. MERLOT 2000 RECAŞ, IMPORTED BOTTLED AND SHIPPED BY REH KENDERMANN GMBH WEINKELLEREI D-55411 BINGEN/RHEIN The soft rolling hills of South Western Romania have been producing wine for over 2000 years. The long warm summers allow the grapes to ripen to their true potential before being vinified by winemakers combining the art of long traditions and the science of modern wine making. My comments; Cost=£2.50 Alcohol=12.5% Amazing value for money. A very acceptable table wine at a bargain basement price.
River Route - Merlot 1999 sampled 2005
	From: Sainsburys, Tesco Label contents: River Route 1999 Merlot Our River Route winemaker brings the latest new world techniques in the classic vineyards of Romania, producing innovative wines with distinct varietal character. Harvested from low yielding vines, the wine produced has concentrated red berry flavours, rich yet soft fruit on the palate and a touch of oak on the finish. Serve at room temperature with hearty meat dishes such as roast lamb, or with mature hard cheeses. My comments; Cost=£2.54 - £3.49 Alcohol=12.5% Rather variable. I had a 1999 harvest bottle from Sainsburys (£3.49) that tasted almost of paraffin - and another 1999 from Asda (£2.54) that was full-bodied and very smooth. I tried a 2000 harvest from Asda in Jan 2004 and it was very good. Perhaps try one bottle, and if its good then get in a stock!
River Route - Merlot 2005 sampled 2007
	From: Sainsburys Front Label contents: Carl Reh Winery River Route 2005 Merlot Back Label contents: Soft and juicy,the plummy fruit of this Merlot with its rounded, smooth style makes it a great partner to spicy tomato and red pepper sauces for pasta, as well as different types of pizza. 2005 MERLOT Colinele Dobrogei Vin de Regiune   Wine of Romania Imported and bottled by: Reh Kendermann GmbH Weinkellerei, D-55411 Bingen Contains Sulphites 12.5% vol 75cl My comments; Cost=£3.99 Alcohol=12.5% Quite drinkable but not outstanding.
Budávar - Merlot 2005 sampled 2007
	From: Aldi Front Label contents: 2005 MERLOT Budávar BOTTLED BY DANUBIANA B.T. H-7150 BONYHÁD Back Label contents: Style of Wine: This supple and smooth red wine partly went through malolatic fermentation to allow the natural fruit flavours to unfold. BUDÁVAR ™ MERLOT is best enjoyed at room temperature, as an apéritif, or accompaniment to game, or cheese. Enjoy Responsibly: For more information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk. Region: Dealu Mare     Country of Origin: Romania     Grapes: Merlot Vin du denumire de origine controlata. Bottled by Danubiana B.T.H-7150 Bonyhád Store in a cool place . Best consumed within 12 months of purchase. Specially packed for Aldi stores, PO Box 26, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 2SH Visit us at www.aldi.com Units of Alcohol per 125ml glass 9.3 Units of Alcohol per 75cl bottle. Bottle holds an average of 6 glasses. Contains Sulphites 75cl e L 07310 D 15;05 12,5% VOL My comments; Cost=£3.49 Alcohol=12.5% Fairly average wine, but with a hint of fruitiness that could be better developed. A promising wine for the future.
Romanian, Country Red Wine, DEALUL MARE
	From: Tesco Label contents: Romanian Country Red Wine STYLE: A medium bodied red wine with delicious raspberry fruit flavours and a hint of spice SOURCE:Dealul Mare, north of Bucharest. SERVE:At room temperature: ideal with casseroles and grilled meat dishes. STORE:Horizontally in a cool dark place. To enjoy this wine at its best, consume within one year of purchase. Once open, consume within two days. My comments; Cost=£2.68 Alcohol=10.5% A reasonable body to the wine, improves if allowed to breathe. Not outstanding but acceptable.
River Route - Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
	From: One Stop Label contents: River Route 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Grape from old vineyards combined wth the expertise of our wine-makers have produced this impressive, full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Limited Edition has ripe blackcurrant aromas intermingled with cedarwood and spice from French oak. Enjoyable on its own or with food accompaniments, serve at room temperature with dishes such as traditional roast beef or herb-crusted lamb with mustard mash. STEFANESTI PRODUCE OF ROMANIA Produced by Carl Reh Winery SRL Bucharest, Imported & bottled by Reh Kendermann, GMBH Weinkellerei D-55411 Binger/Germany L2336 V-Nr 4406 12 01 My comments; Cost=£3.33 Alcohol=13% This is a blue label Cabernet Sauvignon, the Merlot for this year was bottled with similar labelling but in red. The oak seasoning is quite pronounced with this wine. It is full-bodied and an all-round good wine of character. Do give it a try, especially when you see 3 bottles discounted for £10 !
Airline wines
Tarom
	Murfatlar on TAROM Airline Merlot Label contents: Merlot 2001 semi-dry specially selected and bottled for Tarom by Murfatlar Romania My comments; 187 ml Alcohol=12% vol A very reasonable wine for the flight. Dry Label contents: Dry specially selected and bottled for Tarom by Murfatlar Romania My comments; 187 ml Alcohol=12% vol Not much info on the label, but a good dry, red wine - worth sampling.
Local Romanian wines
There is a tremendous range of wines in the shops. I have seen 2lr plastic bottles of wine on sale at about 30p - of course I tried it, and it was drinkable. But some of the best wine I have tasted was 'home-made' in the country - and passed on to relatives in the city. On my last visit (September 2004), I noticed that the price of indigenous wine was starting to rise fairly dramatically in the shops and supermarkets, and I felt that the days of a decent bottle of Romanian wine costing £1 had already gone. In 2007 Romania joined the EU, adding a further level of beaurocracy and political interference in its industries. The EU already has to deal with surplus 'wine lakes' (mainly in Italy) and with general medical pressure to reduce alcohol consumption, this puts a developing wine industry in a vulnerable position. But if the Romanian wine industry concentrates on its excellent indigenous grape varieties, which are widely acclaimed and respected, then it could well develop into a much more important part of the country's economy. Suica and Palinka always seem to be home-made and consequently are extremely variable in quality and alcohol content - but the latter is always high!
	Cotnari My comments: 12% alcohol White wine, full bodied with a taste of oak. Made at a monastery on the outskirts of Iasi. Strong woody flavour, but pleasant. I would recommend that you try this wine.
	Cotnari Grasa Label contents Grasa de Cotnari Vin de inalta clasa, extractiv elegant, apartinand categorei de clasificare DOCC-CT (vin de calitate superiora cu denumire de origine - cules tarziu). Acest vin dulce obtinut natural din vinuri nobile locale era cunoscut in Evui Mediu sub denumirea de Peria sau Floarea Moldovei, iar in zilele noastre a obtinut numeroase medalii de aur. Se serveste bine racit in compania dulciurilor sau a fructelor. Pastrati sticlele culcate in vederea asigurarii unei bune conservari. My comments; 12% alcohol White wine, medium sweet with a taste of oak and light yellow in colour. I would recommend that you try this wine.
	Busuioaca My comments: 12% alcohol Rose wine, light body. Not outstanding, but not unpleasant.
	Tamaioasa Romaneasca Label contents Front Tamaioasa Romaneasca DOCC-CIB 1998 Cotnari SF1-99 Produs si imbuteliat la S.C. Cotnari S.A. Label contents Back Tamaioasa Romaneasca 1998 Tamaioasa romaneasca soi aromat,din care, in toarmnele lungi si insorite ale podgoriei Cotnari, se obtine un vin de inalta tinuta, ce poarta amprenta, soiului, a coordonatelor geo-climatice si a tehnologiei moderne aplicata vinificatiei traditionale. Senzualitatea rafinata a gustului se armonizeaza fericit cu mirosul inconfundabil, apropriat de cel al strugureluibine copt, conferind vinului distinctie prin vigoare si personalitate. Parfumul sau deosebit, asemanator busuiocului, este cel care i-a inspirat pe localnici sa denumeasca acest soi Busuioaca de Moldova. My comments; 11.5% alcohol White wine, sweet with a taste of oak and golden in colour. Normally, I am not keen on sweet wines, but this is exceptional with a delicious smooth rich flavour. Yet another good Cotnari wine.
	Bohotin Label contents: Front Vinia 1996 BOHOTIN BUSUIOACA DE BOHOTIN SWEET PRODUCED AND BOTTLED BY VINIA, IASI, ROMANIA Label contents: Back PROLES PONTICA Busuioaca de Bohotin Busuioaca de Bohotin, soi de sorginte helenica,face parte din acelasi sortogrup cu Tamaioasa Romaneasa. Avand o vechime foarte mare in tara noastra, poate fi considerat soi autohton. Podgoria HUSI VASLUI Produs si imbuteliat de VASCOVIN S.A. Vaslui My comments: 12% alcohol Rose wine, very sweet. A bit too sweet for my taste, but chilled it can appeal.
	Pietroasa Label Contents: Putine locurisunt scaldate in soare si binecuvantate ca dealurile de la Pietroasele, unde in anul 1837 s-a depscoperit renumitul tezaur "Closca cu Puii de Aur". Va invitam sa descoperiti un nou "tenaur" oferit de aceste dealuri incarcate de istorie, vinurile comercializate sub marca inregistrata Casa de Vinuri Pietroasa. My comments: 11.2% alcohol White wine, medium sweet. Rather disappointing, a touch on the rough side.
	Feteasca Label Contents: Feteasca Neagra Reg. Viticola Panciu -la curbura muntilor Carpati Vinaria VERITAS PANCIU Culoare Rosu-rubiniu Aroma Armonic si echilibrat Gust Nu asa de taninos ca la alt vin rosu Servire Fripture de caprioara, vanat etc. Alc % vol min 12 My comments: 12% min alcohol This is one of the best bottles of red wine that I have sampled from Romania. Excellent. Soft, slightly sweet, with a superb flavour.
	Classic Label Contents: Front Merlot Medium Dry Red Wine PANCIU 1996 CONTROLLED APELATION OF ORIGIN PRODUCED AND BOTTLED BY VERITAS PANCIU,SA min % vol 11,3 PRODUCT OF ROMANIA Label Contents: Back MERLOT A medium dry red wine from the Panciu Region. Recomanded to be served at the room's temperature. PRODUCT OF ROMANIA My comments: With the label written in English, I ought to have guessed that this would not be one of the better wines. An immediate impression of synthetic additions, strong peardrops aroma with a hint of wood and quite heavy bodied. For a 1996 wine drunk in 2006, this should have been better. It was a gift, so I think even the locals expected this to be a good wine.
	Uricani Label Contents: Front 1997 Uricani Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Vinia, Iasi D.O.C.C. - C.M.D. Produced and Bottled by Vinia - Iasi - Romania Label Contents: Back Cabernet Sauvignon is a ruby colored red wine with a specific aroma, lightly astringent. It has an inviting taste, a vigorous vinousity specific to the place where it has been produced. We recommend this wine to be served with venison meat or wild bear, to the environment temperature, 15 - 18 º C. My comments: 11.5% alcohol Red wine from near Iasi, obtained at the Hala Centrala supermarket in Iasi, costing about £1.50. Excellent. The label shows the Palace of Culture in Iasi. Note: Not too easy to get the recommended wild bear meat in the UK!
	Suica Often home made, so the alcoholic content can vary considerably. My comments: Plum Brandy. Strong.
	Palinka My comments: Powerful - would attack diamond. Be very wary, especially of the home-made variety whose alcohol content is always extremely high. Once swallowed - never forgotten! Enough to wet the lips, and you will be lucky to escape without a hangover.