Discovering the Diversity of Romanian Wine

If you're a wine lover, which we suspect you are, then you've most likely tried wines from all corners of the globe. But have you ever tried a Romanian wine? If not, you could well be missing out on one of the wine world’s best kept secrets! Unbeknown to many, Romanian wine has been around for centuries and has a rich history and wine making tradition. Today, it is still mostly an undiscovered wine world gem but is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique flavour profiles, and one of the wineries leading the way is Budureasca.

The history of Romanian wine dates way back to the Dacian times which is a period that existed more than 2000 years ago, however other estimates claim that Romania actually has one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world, with its viticulture dating back more than 6,000 years. The Dacians lived in central Europe bounded by the Carpathian Mountains and covering much of the historical region of Transylvania and were particularly known for their love of wine as it was a significant part of their culture. As history played out over time, the Romans are claimed to have introduced new grape varieties to the region, which in turn helped to increase the quality and popularity of Romanian wine. However, the industry suffered catastrophically during the communist era when quantity took precedence over quality. In recent years though, the focus has shifted back to producing high-quality wines, and Romanian wine is now making a name for itself on the world stage. Today, Romanian wine has successfully found its place on the shelves of wine merchants both domestically and internationally.

Romanian wines are produced in several regions throughout the country each with its own unique terroir, grape varieties, and wine styles. These regions include Transylvania, known for producing crisp and refreshing white wines and excellent red wines; Moldovan Hills in the East (Next door to the Republic of Moldova), the largest wine-making region in Romania, known for high-quality white wines and excellent red wines; Muntenia, one of the oldest wine-making regions in the country, producing full-bodied red wines and excellent white wines; Dobrogea, a small region with sandy soil that gives its wines a unique minerality, producing excellent red and white wines; and Banat, a relatively small region known for its dry and sunny climate, producing excellent wines such as Pinot Noir and Riesling. Romanian wines have gained international recognition in recent years, which has been made possible due to the success of each wine making region and their ability to create wines with unique and complex flavours that offer something for every wine enthusiast.

As for the flavour profiles of Romanian wines, these tend to be quite different from other wines you may have previously tried (in a good way!). The unique climate and soil that Romania has been geographically blessed with mean the grapes grow differently, which in turn produces wines with distinct characteristics. As a rule of thumb for Romanian wines, the whites are crisp and refreshing with bright acidity and flavours of citrus and green apple. The reds on the other hand tend to be bold and robust with flavours of dark fruit, tobacco, and spices. One special wine maker in particular, Budureasca, is known for producing wines with eccentric flavours and complex grape variety profiles that make it the perfect bottle for wine enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary. One of their most popular wines (and our favourite) is the Budureasca Premium Fume 2021. This wine is made by perfectly balancing a blend of 33% Chardonnay, 33% Sauvignon Blanc, and 33% Pinot Gris grapes, handpicked from the best parcels of Budureasca vineyards. It’s a delicious white wine with a splendid straw yellow colour and golden reflections. This wine boasts fresh aromas of pineapple and ripe banana, complemented by touches of smoked oak. The taste is round, sweet, dominated by sweet tropical fruits and leads to a long and harmonious finish, almost as if asking for a new sip.

Another extremely popular (and very unique) wine from Budureasca is the Budureasca Sauvignon & Sauvignon 2021. As the name suggests, this wine is a blend of two different Sauvignon varieties, 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a light straw colour with green highlights, aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and a hint of tropical fruit. This medium-bodied wine offers fresh aromas of gooseberries and a fruity taste that delights the senses with hints of grapefruit and gooseberry. On the palate, it has a refreshing acidity with flavours of lime, grapefruit, and a hint of honeydew melon. The finish is long and clean, making it a perfect pairing for grilled fish, salads, and light pasta dishes.

Romanian wine is a must-try for any wine lover. The country's rich history, unique climate, and soil produce wines with complex and distinct flavours. If you're looking to try something new, then be sure to give Budureasca's Premium Fume 2021 and Budureasca Sauvignon & Sauvignon 2021 a try. These wines are a great introduction to Romanian wine and are sure to leave a lasting impression, so why not grab a bottle and raise a glass to Romanian wine! The Oddbins wine range is certain to serve up something to complement your choices perfectly. Not sure which would best suit your palate or meal? Want to know the best Romanian Wine to give as a gift? Contact our helpful team for advice via Live Chat, e-mail or by calling 0800 328 23 23 for all the help you need.