Romania will enchant all your senses, whether it’s your abstract sense of adventure, your sense of history or of place, not to mention those traditional five senses. This is a land defined by a blend of traditions, landscapes and regional cultures that will surprise you at every turn. Here are 5 reasons to think of Romania for your next #sense-ational escape: Bucharest’s thriving culinary scene The Untamed Frontier of Europe’s Largest Delta Beyond Dracula Home and Hospitality Ancient Vessels to Drink Fine Wine 1. Bucharest’s Thriving Culinary Scene: From vivacious popular destinations like the 18th century fortified inn of Hanul lui Manuc to chef-led experiences like NOUA and ΚΛΙΛΜO̲, Bucharest is a hotspot of good food, usually accompanied by the country’s excellent wines. Home to one of the world’s largest (and heaviest) buildings, now known as the Palace of Parliament, Bucharest enchants visitors with Art Deco buildings, urban gardens and parks and a lively night-scene. 2. The Untamed Frontier of Europe’s Largest Delta: The meandering Danube River spreads into three generous arms as it reaches the Black Sea, with inlets and islands and drifting islets across and between its gently flowing waters. This is the home of rare birds and fish, and of cuisine heavy on roe, and sturgeon and pike, accompanied by fresh white wines making their way up from the Dobrogea hills and sands. 2. The Untamed Frontier of Europe’s Largest Delta: The meandering Danube River spreads into three generous arms as it reaches the Black Sea, with inlets and islands and drifting islets across and between its gently flowing waters. This is the home of rare birds and fish, and of cuisine heavy on roe, and sturgeon and pike, accompanied by fresh white wines making their way up from the Dobrogea hills and sands. 3. Beyond Dracula: Transylvania was long home to Romanians, Saxons (a German tribe), and Hungarians (Magyar and Szekely) alike. Its history is one of strife and ethnic imbalances, and it is impacted the heavy hand of the Austrian empire, but today these influences positively translate into stunning architecture, from the fortresses that defended against the Ottomans along the Carpathians (one of which was held by Vlad Țepes, aka Dracula) to opulent buildings in the cities of Cluj or Oradea. This cross-roads of cultures will delight you with great foods, from a local version of goulash to smoked meat bean soups, cheeses, and meats, all accompanied by crisp white wines from indigenous grapes such as Fetească Albă or Fetească Regală. 4. Home and Hospitality: Romanians pride themselves on hospitality, and visitors often remark upon abundant food and liquor in restaurants and homes alike. Destinations in the region of Moldova (not to be confused with the Republic of the same name) stand out for their effusive approach, welcoming guest to the famed painted monasteries and the wild nature and lake preserves with a stunning array of pies, polentas (mămaligă) and sour soups, whose quality is only surpassed by the prize-winning wines from historical indigenous grapes such as Grasă de Cotnari, Zghihară de Huși or Busuioacă de Bohotin. 5. Ancient Vessels to Drink Fine Wine: Southwestern Romania, along the river Olt, is most likely the cradle of Romanian winemaking. Ancient ceramic vessels of the 1st century BCE show wine sediments, a testament to the winemaking that continues today, particularly in the Drăgășani wine district. Ceramics also endure, with Horezu being a center of traditional pottery, and many of the foods and drinks you’ll be served in your escape to the region will come in its wonderfully decorated plates and jugs, with the Horezu cockerel (Cocoșul de Hurez) grinning at you from the bottom of a savory leek dish, accompanied with bread baked in a clay and straw dome, known as țest, alomsgide by a stout Negru de Drăgășani red wine, or a generous white like Crâmpoșie Selecționată.
Taste Romania: Wine Regions
Transylvania Plateau (Podișul Transilvaniei) Transylvania is home to more than the legend of Dracula. Its vineyards are estimated to span more than 5,000 hectares, dotted with fortified churches, fortresses and charming, historical villages that have caught the eye of scholars, travel experts, influencers and celebrities, including UK’s King Charles III. The Transylvania Plateau (Podișul Transilvaniei) stands out among other Romanian viticultural regions due to its higher altitudes, with most vineyards located at 400-600 meters above sea level, but going as high as 800 meters. Its cooler climate is considered ideal for white grapes, and indeed Riesling, Italian Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer flourish, alongside the lesser-known imports Neuburger or Kerner. But the region shines brightest for its two local grapes, Fetească Albă (roughly translated as “white maiden”) and Fetească Regală (roughly translated as “royal maiden”). The first is centuries, possibly thousands of years old. The second dates back to circa 1903, the result of the wave of improvement research in post-phylloxera Europe. But both provide crisp, pleasantly acidic white wines, with defined, fresh aroma profiles, that please the connoisseur and newbie palates alike. Sources as old as 1051 CE praise wines from the Transylvania Plateau for their vigor and quality, and today’s techniques maximize the region’s diverse microclimates and soils, prompting experts to highlight their delicate minerality (Smith, Rod. “Romanian Wine: A Region Coming of Age.” Jancis Robinson, 2020, jancisrobinson.com) or balance of fruit and acidity (Gilby, Caroline. “Romania’s Wines: An Exploration of Its Native Grapes.” Decanter, 2018, decanter.com.) Moldavian Hills (Dealurile Moldovei) Not to be confused with the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Romania’s province of Moldova is known for its rich winemaking history. The dignity of cupbearer (paharnic) to its princes was documented as early as the 14th century, and it was noted that being the taster included oversight of the cellars and vineyards, and often came with great trust and weight at court. Today, the hills of Moldova rank first among the viticultural areas in Romania, estimated at circa 20,000 hectares. Its gentle-sloping hills accommodate vineyards at circa 180 meters altitude, lower than many other Romanian regions. The region was particularly noted for its sweet and semi-sweet wines, often produced from indigenous grape varieties, but has since become a pole of innovative winemaking that takes advantage or autochthonous varieties to create wines that are drinkable internationally. Some of the older documented regions, such as Cotnari, have grapes named after them. Most notable, Grasă de Cotnari, an aromatic variety that made its way as far as Tokaji and is described as the jewel in Romanis’ crown (Currin, Tamlyn. “Grasă de Cotnari: Romania’s Sweetest Legacy.” Wine-Searcher, 2019, wine-searcher.com) and Busuioacă de Bohotin, one of the world’s rare pink-skinned grapes. Frâncușă and Zghihară, hard to pronounce, but easy to enjoy, are made across the region, and exciting sparkling versions can be found at Domeniile Cotnari. While the region is mostly known for whites (sweet or dry), visitors rave about Băbească Neagră. Where Fetească would translate as maidenly, or girlish (and Fetescă Neagră, though the signature grape of the Dealu Mare wine district, further south, thrives in the Moldavian Hills), Băbească translates as ”old lady” or “crone”, a name that hides the delightful red wine with medium body and full aromas that can be obtained from this old, traditional variety. Muntenia and Oltenia Hills (Dealurile Munteniei și Olteniei) Centered around Romania’s best known and prized wine district, Dealu’ Mare, the Muntenia and Oltenia Hills spread across contiguous wine regions covering almost all the country’s historical province of Wallachia. Some of Romania’s most famed wine districts (the aforementioned Dealu’ Mare, Drăgășani, Sâmburești) are found in this varied, generous wine region that extends to approximately 20,000 hectares. The terroir is different, district to district, and each wine district stands out for its own take on winemaking. Dealu’ Mare is home to Romania’s famed Fetească Negră, a grape whose full body and grape-skin tannins make it an age-worthy, distinctive red. It can go high in alcohol (15.6% ABV, in some cases), but retains a plum fruitiness that even those who prefer whites will enjoy tasting. Wine escapes to the region, however, go beyond the signature grape. Tămâioasă Românească has found a great expression here, and the vineyards in the sub-district of Pietroasele excel at taking this aromatic varietal and turning it into great sweet, semi-sweet and dry white wines. White grapes from Transylvania, such as Fetească Albă, take on a different character, pleasing to lovers of distinctive, albeit light aromas. The area is nothing, but vineyards, scenic hill after scenic hill, with beautiful winery buildings and excellent restaurants highlighting what is still known as the “Romanian Wine Road”. In the same broad region, but some hundred kilometers away in distance, and miles away in approach, lies Drăgășani, a hub of premium winemaking, and innovation with respect to the origins. The region’s oldest attested winery (Stirbey), reprised winemaking after the quantity over quality push of the communists, and now makes splendid wines from local grapes such as the white Crâmpoșie Selecționată, and the newer red varietals Negru de Drăgășani and Novac. Newer wineries (notably Venetic) are also reaping the benefits of rolling hills, favorable aspects and 200-300 meter altitudes to make sturdy red wines with fruit and body, and whites with character Banat Hills Wine Region (Dealurile Banatului) The Banat Hills (Dealurile Banatului), located in western Romania, are characterized by gentle slopes and moderate climates conducive to both indigenous and international grape varieties. Recaș Key Varieties: Fetească Regală, Cadarcă. Positioning: Renowned for its innovative winemaking techniques and a focus on indigenous varieties. Quote: “Recaș sets the bar high for modern Romanian winemaking with a perfect balance of tradition and innovation.” – Oz Clarke, Wine Spectator, 2021.MLA Citation: Clarke, Oz. “Recaș: A Modern Romanian Marvel.” Wine Spectator, 2021, winespectator.com Miniș Key Varieties: Cadarcă, Mustoasă de Măderat. Positioning: Specializes in traditional varieties with historical significance. Quote: “Miniș offers a glimpse into Romania’s vinous history, with wines that are both authentic and delicious.” – Caroline Gilby, MW, Decanter, 2020.MLA
