Romania

Question 1

What significant change occurred in Romanian viticulture under Communist rule?

Answer 1

Emphasis on quantity over quality

This led to poorer quality wines and the expansion of vineyard acreage with substandard grapes.

Question 2

By the end of the 1980s, what percentage of Romanian wine production was controlled by huge cooperatives?

Answer 2

Over 60%

This centralization affected the quality and variety of wines produced.

Question 3

What marked a significant transition in Romanian winemaking after the fall of Communism in 1989?

Answer 3

Shift to privatization and focus on quality

The lead-up to EU accession in 2007 further emphasized quality improvements.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Around 180,000 hectares

This decrease in area was partly a response to Gorbachev’s reforms.

Question 5

What are the indigenous white grapes most cultivated in Romania?

Answer 5

• Fetească Albă
• Fetească Regală

These grapes are significant for both domestic consumption and export markets.

Question 6

What are the two broad categories of Romanian wine law?

Answer 6

• Wines for Current Consumption (table wines)
• Quality Wines

Quality Wines include Vin cu Indicaţie Geografică (PGI) and Denumire de Origine Controlată (PDO).

Question 7

What is the minimum percentage of grapes required for Vin cu Indicaţie wines to be produced in the specified area?

Answer 7

85%

This regulation helps maintain the integrity of the wine’s origin.

Question 8

What are the three subcategories of DOC wines in Romania?

Answer 8

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

These classifications help define the quality and characteristics of the wines.

Question 9

What does the term Rezervă indicate in Romanian wine aging?

Answer 9

Minimum of six months in oak and six months in bottle

This term signifies a certain level of quality and aging for the wine.

Question 10

What is the climate of Romania compared to France despite being on the same latitude?

Answer 10

Continental climate moderated by the Black Sea

This climate influences the types of grapes that can be successfully grown.

Question 11

Which wine region in Romania is known for producing high acidity white wines?

Answer 11

Jidvei DOC

This region is significant for its production of Fetească grapes and Traminer Rosé.

Question 12

What is the most famous vinous product from the Cotnari DOC?

Answer 12

Sweet white wines

Grasă de Cotnari is the most prominent grape in this region.

Question 13

What grape is capable of reaching extreme ripeness levels in the Cotnari DOC?

Answer 13

Grasă de Cotnari

This grape is known for its complexity and longevity in sweet wine production.

Question 14

What is the reputation of the Dealu Mare DOC within Muntenia-Oltenia?

Answer 14

Gaining a reputation for red wines

Particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Question 15

What is the significance of the Murfatlar DOC in Dobrogea?

Answer 15

Developing a reputation for soft styles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir

It was previously known for late-harvest Chardonnay.