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Romanian Wines

In 1989, Romanian wines are beginning to gain a favorable reputation, shifting away from the days of high quantity and low quality. Located in eastern Europe, Romania’s central terrain is dominated by the Carpathian Mountains. Its towering peaks serve as barriers for the country’s highest vineyard sites in the region of Transylvania. The cool climate of Transylvania’s Târnave DOC produces white wines with high acidity from the varieties Feteasca Alba and Traminer Rosé. While Romania’s domestic preference is for white wines, red grape plantings are on the rise to compete with the international market. Native red grapes such as Feteasca Neagra are used to produce higher quality wines in the region of Muntenia-Oltenia, but popular varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also contribute to red wine production. To find some of the best values and top rated wines in all of Romania be sure to check out our Romania Wine Buying Guide.

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Cramele Halewood 2009 Hyperion Limited Edition Feteasca Neagra (Dealu Mare)

Price $47

While sweet on the nose with aromas of blueberry preserves and fruitcake, the palate on this dry Romanian red is refreshingly restrained, with a fresh herbal tone that accents its ample fruit flavors. A fascinating study of the Feteasca Neagra grape, there’s a surprising amount of elegance that peeks through its initial rusticity. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Cramele Halewood 2009 Kronos Limited Edition Pinot Noir (Dealu Mare)

Price $20

Delicate yet beguiling, with aromas of violets, ripe pomegranates and granite, there’s an Old World elegance that sets this Romanian Pinot Noir apart. The palate is concentrated, with crisp red cherry and plum flavors, but keenly balanced by brisk acidity and soft, finely-grained tannins. Structured and refined with a medium long finish. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

VinArte 2002 Villa Zorilor Prince Matei Gran Riserva Merlot (Dealu Mare)

Price $100

An elegant, memorable wine with balance and poise. The nose offers red berry, warming spice and a touch of smoke, while on the palate, smooth, dark berry and spice flavors are harmonious and rich. The wine can age but is good now. Pair with a succulent duck dish or pate and cheeses. — S.K. (9/1/2008)

Cramele Halewood 2009 Hyperion Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon (Dealu Mare)

Price $30

There’s a striking minerality that adds depth to varietally characteristic scents of ripe cassis, violets and cedar. Full bodied and densely concentrated, with sweet, black-fruit flavor, it’s balanced by brisk acidity and fresh herb flavors that linger on the finish. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Cramele Halewood 2010 Theia Limited Edition Chardonnay (Sebes)

Price $20

Pristine on the nose and palate, this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay is a prime example of how thoroughly modern Romanian winemaking can be. Juicy and floral with pretty hints of apple blossoms, it’s creamy and rich in texture, yet impeccably refreshing on the finish. — A.I. (5/1/2012)

Cameron Hughes 2009 Frunza Merlot (Viile Timisului)

Best Buy

Price $7

Deeply concentrated on the nose with pure black fruit and whiffs of toast and wood, this Merlot packs a lot of bang for the buck. Full bodied and dry, it’s mellow but bright, overflowing with cassis and black cherry flavors and a fresh, herbal finish. — A.I. (9/1/2011)

VinArte 2004 Alb de Vânju Mare Sauvignon Blanc (Vânju Mare)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $20

An intriguing nose of lemon, orange and flowers leads on this balanced white from Romania. On the palate, poised, developed flavors of spice, citrus and a touch of honey end with a clean flourish. An elegant solo sip or great with seafood and spicy dishes. — S.K. (8/1/2008)

Cramele Halewood 2010 Single Vineyard Selection Sebes Alba Transylvania Sauvignon Blanc (Sebes)

Best Buy

Price $9

Surprisingly multifaceted, this lovely Sauvignon Blanc counters sweet, ripe stonefruit and gooseberry on the nose and palate with elegant hints of fresh tarragon and bergamot. Dry and medium bodied in style, it’s a refreshing wine with brisk acidity and balanced alcohol. — A.I. (9/1/2011)

Most Reviewed Sub Regions [All]

Cotnari Dealu Mare Dealurile Munteniei Jidvei Murfatlar Murfatlar Cernavoda Plaiurile Drancei Ploiesti Prahova County Recas Samburesti Sebes Tarnave Transylvanian Plateau Vânju Mare Viile Timis Viile Timisului

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Muscat Other Red Other White Pinot Grigio/Gris Pinot Noir Red Blend Riesling Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah White Blend

2009 Occasio

Occasio has made a restrained and elegant Cabernet, alluring in its cola…

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