SOME CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE GRAPEVINE VARIETY

ASSORTMENT AND WINE CATEGORIES IN ROMANIA IN RECENT

YEARS
A.O. Antoce(1), I. Nmoloanu(1), D. Dua(2), D. Mereanu(2), C. Rebigan(2), V. Nicolau(2),
L. Clugru(2)
(1)

University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest;

59 Mrti Blvd., Sector 1, Bucharest, 011464 Romania;
aantoce@yahoo.com
(2)
National Office of Vine and Wine Products (ONVPV);
49 os. Iancului, sector 2, 021719 Bucharest, Romania;
office@onvpv.ro

ABSTRACT
The paper discusses the general state of affairs in todays Romanian viticulture and
winemaking, which have come a long way since the collapse of the communist regime,
gathering new momentum after the accession of Romania to the European Union. After
introducing the wine regions, vineyards, Denominations of Controlled Origin and Geographic
Indications as well as the main grapevine varieties cultivated, some statistics are presented
regarding various indicators in this field of activity for the period 2009-2012. Several
unbalances are mentioned regarding plantation type and variety distribution, as well as some
recent effects of the regulations in the DOC and GI areas, together with foreseen changes in
the near future when new legislation is due to be passed.
RSUM
Le travail examine l'tat gnral des affaires de la viticulture et vinification roumaine
d'aujourd'hui, qui ont parcouru un long chemin depuis l'effondrement du rgime communiste,
et ont pris du nouvel lan aprs l'adhsion de la Roumanie l'Union Europenne. Aprs avoir
prsent les rgions viticoles, vignobles, Appellations d'Origine Contrle et des Indications
Gographiques ainsi que les principaux cpages cultivs, certaines statistiques sont prsentes
en ce qui concerne les diffrents indicateurs dans ce domaine d'activit pour la priode 20092012. Plusieurs dsquilibres sont mentionns concernant le type de plantation et la
distribution des varits, ainsi que certains effets rcents des rglementations dans les
domaines AOC et IG, ainsi que les modifications prvues dans un proche avenir lorsque la
nouvelle lgislation devrait tre adopte.

INTRODUCTION
The accession of Romania to the European Union in 2007 lead to an increase of the
vineyard surface of the Union with 178,100 ha (Romanian Ministry of Agriculture, 2008).
Among the wine-producing countries of the world today Romania ranks fifteenth, with an
average annual yield over the period 2007-2011 of about 4.9 million hectoliters of wine
(Romanian Ministry of Agriculture, 2012 and Romanian wine registry kept by ONVPV).

Viewed with a critical eye, the wine industry in present days Romania is still behind the
technical and economic possibilities encountered in other European countries, especially those
with large surfaces of vineyards, such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal.
Nevertheless the situation improved greatly after the countrys accession to EU, due to a
better funding of the sector.
Being a country with long tradition in winemaking, dating back several thousand years,
there is no doubt that the wine sector will improve further in the near future.
The paper presents some of the particularities of Romanian wine sector which allow for the
production of high quality wines, together with some aspects derived from recent statistical
data regarding plantation surfaces, variety assortment and wine production in the last few
years.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This study is based on the official documents issued by the National Office of Vine and
Wine Products (ONVPV) and data included in the Wine register of Romania, as well as
legislation applicable in the field of Denomination of Origin and Geographical Indication
wines.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
General information regarding Romanian wine regions
Romania has a particularly favorable geographical position (Cotea V.V. et al., 2008) and is
located in the Western part of the Black Sea basin, ranging between 44 and 48 North
latitude. Specific to Romania is a temperate continental climate with harsh winters. Most of
the vineyards are located in the foothills of the Carpathians Mountains, but about 25% are
also to be found on plateaus or terraces. The lands dedicated to viticulture are usually mild
slopes with southern exposure in favorable microclimate niches that offer protection from the
frosts. The soils are quite variable, from rich to poor skeletal soils. The annual rainfall varies
in general between 400 and 600 mm, with many regions supplied with favorable rainfall, but
also with regions where irrigation is required. The large array of site conditions provides good
opportunities for a wide range of grapevine varieties, which leads to a rich assortment of
wines (Nmoloanu and Antoce 2000).
According to the National Office of Vine and Wine Products (ONVPV), the Romanian
viticulture is divided into eight wine regions. Within this structure 37 vineyards are included,
which in turn are divided into 123 viticultural centers. To these, other 40 independent centers
that are located outside the specified regions are added (Order 225/2006 of the Romanian
Ministry of Agriculture).
The wine regions of Romania, in which Geographic Indication wines with the same name
can be produced, are described in Tables 1 and 2. The regions are officially numbered from 1
to 8 although the number is not related with the size, alphabetical order or some rule regarding
the placement on the map.
The wine regions are mostly identical to the geographic regions of the country. Only in the
case of the geographic region Oltenia and Muntenia two Geographical indications are merged.
Other variations are encountered in the wine regions 7 and 8, which are both located
geographically along the Danube, but also in part of the historical regions of Oltenia and
Muntenia.

The location of the wine-growing regions is given in Fig. 1, while Table 1 contains some
data regarding the wine regions, the viticultural zones defined in EU, the length of the
growing season, the temperature sums (Olobeanu, M. et al. 1991; Olteanu I. 2000) and the
vineyards included in these regions. It should be reminded that, in accordance to European
Council Regulation No.
645/2005VITICOLE
and Council
REGIUNILE
ALERegulation
ROMNIEINo. 479/2008 the Romanian wine
NCADRATE

N
ZONELE
VITICOLE
growing zones are included in the European growingEUROPENE
zones B, C I and C II.
Zone viticole europene::
- B
- CI
- C II

CI
B

CI

CI

CI

CII

CII

CII
CII

Transilvania , Dealurile Moldovei , Dealurile Munteniei si Olteniei ,

Fig. 1. General location of the 8 wine regions of Romania.
Banat, Crisana si Maramures, Colinele Dobrogei, Terasele Dunarii,
Nisipurile si Alte Terenuri Favorabile din Sudul tarii

Table 1. The wine regions and their main characteristics

Wine region
1. Podiul Transilvaniei
Transylvanian plateau
2. Dealurile Moldovei
Hills of Moldova

EU growing
zone type (CEE
479/2008)

Vegetation
period
(days)

Temperature
sums
(Apr.-Sept.)

Vineyards

No. of
vineyards

177

2796

Trnave, Alba, Sebe-Apold,

Aiud, Lechina

CI

183

3061

Cotnari, Iai, Hui, Colinele

Tutovei, Dealul Bujorului,
Iveti, Nicoreti, Zeletin,
Covurlui, Panciu, Odobeti,
Coteti
Dealurile Buzului, Dealu
Mare, tefneti, Smbureti,
Drgani, Dealurile Craiovei, Podgoria Severinului,
Plaiurile Drncei
6 independent centers not
included in a vineyard region
Mini-Mderat, Diosig, Valea
lui Mihai, Podgoria Silvaniei

3. Dealurile Olteniei i
Munteniei
Hills of Vallachia and
Oltenia

C II

4. Dealurile Banatului
Hills of Banat
5. Dealurile Crianei i
Maramureului
Hills of Crisana and
Maramures
6. Colinele Dobrogei
Hills of Dobrogea

CI

200

3228

CI

187

2990

C II

7. Terasele Dunarii
Danube Terraces

C II

8. Nisipurile din Sudul

rii Sands and other
Favourable Lands of the
south of the country
Total

C II

195

196
202

198

3257

3164
3353

3285

Murfatlar, Istria-Babadag,
Sarica-Niculiel
Ostrov, Greaca, centers of
Giurgiu, Zimnicea, nsureiBrila
Podgoria Dacilor, Calafat,
Sadova-Corabia

12

3
2

3
37

1. Wine region Podiul Transilvaniei (Transylvanian plateau): The region is located North of
the Carpathian Mountains, in Transylvania, in the center of the country. The helio-thermal
conditions are moderate, but with abundant rainfall. It is evident that the growing season of 177
days on average is rather modest. Due to the structure of the plateau, some excellent local
conditions can be found here for the vine cultivation and production of top quality white wines.
2. Wine region Dealurile Moldovei (Hills of Moldova): It is located East of the Eastern
Carpathians and extending over several hundred kilometers from the Northern Moldova area
(Cotnari region), where most renowned white wines are produced, to the South of the
province (Nicoreti, Iveti, Dealul Bujorului), where well-known high-quality red wines are
produced. The growing season lasts an average of 183 days, which is influenced by the
continental climate and a strong Eastern European wind. With a total surface of about 70,000
ha it is the largest viticultural region of Romania.
3. Wine region Dealurile Munteniei i Olteniei (Hills of Vallachia and Oltenia): It is located
South of the Carpathians, around 45 North latitude and extends over the two geographical
and historical regions with the same names. Being located mostly on Southern slopes of the
Carpathian foothills the vineyards have an average period of vegetation of 195 days.
Preferably late-ripening grape varieties are grown here, because the climate allows the
production of a wide range of quality wines, both white and red.
4. Wine region Dealurile Banatului (Hills of Banat): It is the smallest wine-growing region
of Romania and has no designated wine region. Instead, five wine centers exist. The region
lies in the South-West of the country, bordering Serbia and Hungary. The mild climate is
Mediterranean, with Adriatic influences. With a growing season of 200 days, it makes
possible the cultivation and production of both white and red wines of superior quality.
5. Wine region Dealurile Crianei and Maramureului (Hills of Crisana and Maramures): It
lies in the North-West of the country, around 48 North latitude and is the most northerly
wine-growing region of the country. The vegetation period here is 187 days. The central
European climate influences allow here for the cultivation of both white and red grape
varieties of a wide range, starting from simple wines without DOC or GI and quality wines to
high-quality vintage wines. The viticultural centers are scattered and located mostly in the
hills along the rivers Mure and Tisa.
6. Wine region Colinele Dobrogei (Hills of Dobrogea): This region is limited in West by the
Danube river which flows towards North in this area, and by the Black Sea in East. The low
altitude of only 71 m and the Southern geographical location, 44 North latitude, allows the
cultivation of grapevine even on the slopes with Northern exposure. With an average
vegetation period of 196 days, the area is ideal for all white and red varieties, of which
especially those for high-quality wines are cultivated. The limiting factor is the low rainfall,
but this can be compensated by irrigation.
7. Wine region Terasele Dunarii (Danube Terraces): It stretches like a ribbon along the
lower banks of the Danube, along the Bulgarian border. The vegetation period here is the
longest, that is 202 days. For this reason, table grapes are also grown successfully. Because of
the low altitude (average of 72 m) winter frosts as low as -27C are possible.
8. Wine region Nisipurile i zonele favorabile din Sudul rii (Sands and other Favourable
Lands of the South of the country): It is located in the central area of the Romanian (Baragan)
plain and has climatic conditions similar to region 7. The significant difference consists in the
soil, here represented predominantly by deep sand soils, which require special cultivation
techniques of viticulture. The vegetation period is 198 days.
The approved denomination of controlled origin (DOC) and geographical indications (GI) in
Romania, as well as the major grape varieties cultivated in each region are shown in Tab. 2.

For a better understanding, a map of the vineyards where wines with DOC can be produced is
also included (Fig. 2).
Table 2. Wine regions and approved denominations of controlled origin (DOC) and
geographical indications (GI) in Romania (MADR Orders 397/2003; 732/2005 and later modifications)
Wine region
1. Podiul Transilvaniei
Transylvanian plateau

Geographical
indications (GI)
and sub-indications
Dealurile Transilvaniei

2. Dealurile Moldovei
Hills of Moldova

Dealurile Moldovei
(Dealurile Hrlului,
Iailor, Huilor, Tutovei,
Covurluiului, Siretului),
Dealurile Vrancei

3. Dealurile Olteniei i
Munteniei
Hills of Vallachia and
Oltenia

Dealurile Munteniei,
Dealurile Olteniei

4. Dealurile Banatului
Hills of Banat

Viile Caraului, Viile

Timiului

5. Dealurile Crianei i
Maramureului
Hills of Crisana and
Maramures

Dealurile Zarandului,
Dealurile Crianei,
Dealurile Stmarului

6. Colinele Dobrogei
Hills of Dobrogea

Colinele Dobrogei

7. Terasele Dunarii
Danube Terraces

Terasele Dunrii

8. Nisipurile din Sudul

rii
Sands and other
Favourable Lands of the
South of the country

Controlled denominations
of origin (DOC) and subdenominations
Trnave (Blaj, Jidvei,
Media), Alba Iulia, SebeApold, Aiud, Lechina
Cotnari, Iai (Copou,
Bucium, Uricani), Bohotin,
Hui (Vutcani), Iana, Dealu
Bujorului, Nicoreti, Panciu,
Odobeti, Coteti

Major cultivated varieties

White: Feteasc regal, Feteasc

alb, Riesling italian, Sauvignon
blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer
White: Feteasc regal, Aligot,
Feteasc alb, Riesling italian,
Gras, Francu, Galben,
Busuioac, Tmioas romneasc, Sauvignon blanc, Muscat
Ottonel; Red: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Bbeasc neagr
Cernteti-Podgoria, Dealu
White: Pinot blanc, Feteasc alb,
Mare (Boldeti, Valea
Riesling italian, Pinot gris,
Clugreasc, Urlai,
Galben de Odobeti, Muscat
Ceptura, Tohani, Breaza,
Ottonel
Merei, Zoreti), Pietroasa,
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
tefneti (Costeti),
Burgund mare, Feteasc neagr,
Smbureti, Drgani, Banu Bbeasc neagr
Mrcine, Segarcea,
Mehedini (Severin,
Corcova, Dealurile Drncei,
Vnju Mare, Orevia)
Reca, Banat (Moldova
White: Feteasc alb, Feteasc
Nou, Dealurile Tirolului,
regal, Riesling italian, Sauvignon
Silagiu)
blanc, Majarca ; Red: Burgund
mare, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Pinot noir, Cadarca
Mini, Criana (Diosig,
White: Riesling italian, Feteasc
Biharia, imleul Silvaniei)
regal, Feteasc alb, Furmint,
Pinot gris, Tmioas de Mderat,
Iordan, Muscat Ottonel
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon,Pinot
noir, Cadarca, Merlot, Burgund
mare
Murfatlar (Medgidia,
White: Pinot gris, Chardonay,
Cernavod), Babadag, Sarica Muscat Ottonel, Riesling italian,
Niculiel (Tulcea)
Sauvignon blanc, Aligot, Feteasc
alb, Feteasc regal
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot
noir, Merlot, Sangiovese
Oltina
White: Feteasc alb, Feteasc
regal, Riesling italian, Pinot gris,
Cardonnay, Sauvignon blanc,
Columna; Red: Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot noir,
Burgund mare; Table grapes.
:Afuz Ali, Cardinal, Italia, Victoria
White: Feteasc regal, Aligot,
Riesling italian, Sauvignon blanc,
Bbeasc gri; Red: Bbeasc
neagr, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Sangiovese; Table
grapes.:Afuz Ali, Victoria, Otilia,
Istria, Muscat dAdda

Fig. 2. Romanian wine denominations of controlled origin. (ONVPV, 2011)

Romanian Vineyards and viticultural potential
During the first 15 years after the collapse of the communist system in December 1989 the
vineyards of Romania have experienced a steady decline. While in 1995 a total of about
250,000 hectares planted with vines was recorded, currently, as communicated by ONVPV to
the Commission on March 2013, only 183,170 ha are cultivated (Tab. 3). To these, 13,901 ha
various planting rights (Tab. 3) should be added. Thus, the total vineyard area of Romania,
after the accession to EU, was limited to just under 200,000 ha.
To these surfaces approximately 11,000 ha of table grapes (as of 2008) should be added,
mostly located in the Southern wine regions of the country.
Currently, the major problem of the Romanian viticulture continues to be the presence of
some significant surfaces planted with interspecific varieties, not allowed for the production
of quality wines produced in specified regions (report COM/2003/0838 and CEE No
479/2008). The interspecific varieties cover an area of 83,800 ha, which, accounts for more
than 42.5% of the total vineyard area. These surfaces are present only in very few cases are in
the traditional vine growing areas, usually being located outside the quality wine production
areas. They are found mainly in the Southern districts and the wines produced here are
destined for personal consumption of the producers families or for wines without DOC or GI,
as the current legislation allows the use of interspecific varieties only for producing wines
without DOC or GI, while quality wines psr can be made exclusively from Vitis vinifera
varieties.
The presence of such a large surface of interspecific vine varieties lead to the present
situation in which about 74% of the total grapevine plantations produce wines without DOC
or GI, and only 26% provide DOC or GI wines (Tab. 3 and 4).

Table 3. Surface dedicated to vine culture in Romania between 2009-2012

(data reported by ONVPV on March 1st of each year; the data communicated in the inventory, according to
Article 109 of Regulation (EC) No 479/2008, refer to 31 July of the previous wine year)
Planted vineyards and
planting rights

Planted vineyards

Planting rights allotted to

producers, but not used yet

Replanting rights owned by

producers

Planting rights in reserve

Total of the production

potential

Year
2009
2011
2012
% in 2012
2009
2011
2012
% in 2012
2009
2011
2012
% in 2012
2009
2011
2012
% in 2012
2009
2011
2012
% in 2012

Surface (ha) 2009-2012 and proportion in 2012(%)

Without
DOC
GI
Total
DOC or GI
24089.4
15129.5
142123.9
181342.8
25967.5
15667.9
139926.4
181561.8
28385.8
18551.6
136232.2
183169.6
15.5
10.1
74.4
100.0
*
*
*
2662.51
3212.4
803.1
0
4015.45
2501.1
625.3
0
3126.4
80.0
20.0
0.0
100.0
939.5
475.2
5435.7
6850.4
916.1
435.74
6221.8
7573.6
1175.3
812.8
6809.4
8798.4
13.4
9.2
77.4
100.0
892.0
450.9
5163.9
6506.9
892.0
450.9
2852.7
4195.7
882.3
882.3
213.3
1977.9
44.6
44.6
10.8
100.0
*
*
*
197362.7
30988.0
17357.6
149000.9
197346.5
32944.5
20872.0
143254.8
197071.3
16.7
10.6
72.7
100.0

The wine classification in Romania has followed the French model of Appellation d'Origine
Contrle (AOC), which here is called Denomination of Controlled Origin or, in short, DOC.
A wine produced in a designated viticultural region (as presented above) is authorized to be
included in a Geographical Indication category. Within this category, the most representative
areas can lead to the production of typical wines, which can be granted a Denomination of
Controlled Origin label.
In 2012 the vineyards producing wines with Denomination of Controlled Origin covered an
area of only 28,386 ha (Tab. 4), which is a constant slight increase from previous years. This
is around 16% of the total vineyard area and does not include planting rights.
The second category is the wines with Geographical Indication. These are made from
grapevines grown on 18,552 ha, representing about 10% of the total vineyard area. The rest of
136.232 hectares, equivalent to 74% of the total, are vineyards (including the interspecific
varieties) which are dedicated to the production of wines without Denomination of
Controlled Origin or Geographical Indication.
The distribution of the DOC wines is region-dependent. We can see from Tab. 5 that in 3
wine regions (Transylvanian plateau, Hills of Banat and Hills of Dobrogea) about half of the
vineyards are registered for the production of DOC wines, while in other 3 wine regions (Hills
of Crisana and Maramures, Danube Terraces, Sands and other Favourable Lands of the South
of the country) most of the vineyards are without DOC and GI. This distribution is not always
related to the production potential and microclimate, but also varies with the degree of
investment in modern technologies.

Table 4. Distribution of vine surfaces in the Romanian wine regions in 2009-2012

(data reported by ONVPV on March 1st of each year; the data communicated in the inventory, according to
Article 109 of Regulation (EC) No 479/2008, refer to 31 July of the previous wine year)
Region

Year

1. Transylvanian plateau

2. Hills of Moldova
3. Hills of Vallachia and
Oltenia
4. Hills of Banat
5. Hills of Crisana and
Maramures
6. Hills of Dobrogea

7. Danube Terraces
8. Sands and other
Favourable Lands of the
South of the country
TOTAL

Proportion (%)

2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012
2009
2011
2012

DOC
2780.3
2991.0
3408.9
6092.0
6493.8
6703.6
5798.5
6354.9
7312.4
1040.9
1275.2
1520.5
309.1
334.0
1496.7
8038.1
8514.7
7943.7
30.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.0
0.0
24089.4
25967.5
28385.8
13.3
14.3
15.5

Surface (ha)
Without
GI
DOC or GI
40.9
3529.7
27.2
3422.1
68.5
3319.3
10656.9
53522.1
10805.8
52687.0
11323.3
51107.2
1306.7
45915.3
1342.9
45201.2
2021.4
44117.2
108.2
1519.9
108.2
1422.2
90.0
1317.8
31.5
7355.8
31.7
7272.8
268.5
7335.2
2525.6
6644.7
2594.9
6273.9
3944.9
5676.1
255.5
10764.7
380.3
10704.1
326.3
10907.7
204.3
12871.7
377.0
12943.0
508.7
12451.7
15129.5
142123.9
15667.9
139926.4
18551.6
136232.2
8.3
78.4
8.6
77.1
10.1
74.4

Total
6350.9
6440.3
6796.7
70271.1
69986.5
69134.0
53020.4
52899.0
53450.9
2669.0
2805.6
2928.4
7696.5
7638.5
9100.4
17208.4
17383.4
17564.8
11050.7
11084.4
11233.9
13076.0
13324.0
12960.4
181342.8
181561.8
183169.6
100.0
100.0
100.0

Table 5. Proportion of the DOC registered surfaces in each of the wine regions in 2012
(data reported by ONVPV on March 1st, 2013 and referring to 31 July of 2012)
Proportion (%) of:
Wine region
50.2

1.0

Wines without
DOC or GI
48.8

9.7

16.4

73.9

100.0

13.7

3.8

82.5

100.0

51.9

3.1

45.0

16.4

3.0

80.6

100.0
100.0

45.2

22.5

32.3

100.0

0.0

2.9

97.1

100.0

0.0
15.5

3.9
10.1

96.1
74.4

100.0
100.0

DOC
1. Transylvanian plateau
2. Hills of Moldova
3. Hills of Vallachia and Oltenia
4. Hills of Banat
5. Hills of Crisana and Maramures
6. Hills of Dobrogea
7. Danube Terraces
8. Sands and other Favourable Lands of
the South of the country
Total

GI

Total
100.0

This situation is not entirely in accordance with the real potential of Romanian vineyards,
which, with better management and investment, could easily satisfy the conditions for the
granting of DOC and GI rights on a much larger area. So we could argue that this ratio of
74% to 26% in favor of vineyards with no DOC and no GI, when vineyard surfaces are
considered, is far from ideal and far from what can be attained. However, as will be shown
below, when we change the focus from vineyard surfaces to wine production, the ratio is even
more unbalanced.
The Romanian wines with DOC and GI labels meet all international standards applicable to
these categories and many are classified in the premium class. These wines are mainly
produced by large or medium size companies, which are already renowned by participating
regularly in wine fairs and contests worldwide. The rest of the wines produced here are simple
wines without GI or DOC, of which some are sold on the organized market, while others are
destined for the consumption of the producers and their families.
An interesting phenomenon observed in recent years is a tendency of the large and medium
producers to shun the DOC category. Although they fulfill all the conditions needed to make
and classify their wines in the DOC category, they prefer to avoid the Denomination of
Controlled Origin system, in order to escape paying the taxes which are due for DOC wines,
and turn the grapes from DOC-authorized plantations into GI wines. As a result, although the
quality parameters would allow their classification under the DOC system, many wines end
up with just a Geographical Indication, for which taxes are not yet enforced and the control is
more lenient.
Due to this situation, as seen in Tab. 6 for the year 2011, the total surface of vineyards for
which DOC authorizations were requested from ONDOV, in order to actually produce and
market DOC wines, is significantly lower than the total surface of vineyards which had been
registered as DOC plantations.
Table 6. Surfaces registered as DOC vineyards and
surfaces actually used for DOC wine production in 2011
Wine region
1. Transylvanian plateau
2. Hills of Moldova
3. Hills of Vallachia and Oltenia
4. Hills of Banat
5. Hills of Crisana and Maramures
6. Hills of Dobrogea
7. Danube Terraces
8. Sands and other Favourable Lands
of the south of the country
TOTAL

Surface registered
as DOC
(ha)
2991
6493.8
6354.9
1275.2
334
8514.7
0.0

Surface out of which DOC

wines were produced
(ha)
(%)
2329
77.9
2455
37.8
2382
37.5
321
25.2
12
3.6
3865
45.4
0
0.0

4.0

4.0

100.0

25967.6

11368

43.8

As it can be seen from Tab. 6, more than 56% of the vineyards with DOC potential were not
used for this purpose in 2011 alone, and that was due not to quality reasons but mostly to
financial constraints. This trend started in 2007, which was the last year when the DOC
registered plantations matched the authorizations requested for DOC wine production.
Afterwards, the DOC authorizations for wine decreased constantly, leading to the value
recorded in 2011 of only 43.8% of the total DOC registered surface (Fig. 3).

Authorizations issued for DOC wine production

25000

21260
17996

Surface (ha)

20000

15490

15000

11555

11368

10000

5000

0
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Vintage year

Fig. 3. Authorizations issued between 2007-2011 for the production of DOC wines.
There are other reasons too for the shifting from DOC toward GI wines.
One is the possibility to apply higher yields in the vineyard, yields which are allowed in
case of the production of GI wines.
The other, more obvious, reason is the production of wines from varieties newly planted and
not (yet) authorized for the DOC production in a specific region. Many producers started to
experiment and extend their plantations by introducing new international varieties, such as
Syrah, Viognier, Rhine Riesling or Dornfelder. Others planted the most famous Romanian
variety Feteasca neagr irrespective of the existence of a tradition for it in that particular
region. It will take some time until these vineyards qualify for the DOC and GI categories.
The situation on the market is bound to change starting this year (2013), due to new
legislation passed (Ministry Orders No. 163 and 165 of 2012 and later modifications), according to
which the Geographical Indication wines will also be taxed and controlled by the same
organization as the one controlling DOC wines (ONVPV). This new regulation may persuade
some producers to shift back and apply again for DOC authorization, aiming to benefit from
the better image that these quality wines enjoy.
However, on an even longer term, another regulatory change is on the way: the permission
to label wines without GI or DOC with the name of the variety (which is not yet allowed in
Romania, even though it is legal in some other Member States). Will the producers remain
faithful to the DOC and GI system and pay a tax to have their wines carry DOC and GI
labels? Or will the trend named above continue one step further, and we shall see
authorizations for DOC and GI wines dwindle even more, in favor of a larger proportion of
simple wines without DOC and GI, but which are not extra-taxed and which can carry on the
label the name of the variety? The latter possibility is not at all unimaginable on the
Romanian market, where the typical consumer does not always understand or even care much
about DOC and/or GI, but usually puts significant weight on the importance of the variety.
Vine varieties and varietal wines
Romania has some native grape varieties of greater or lesser importance and with a wider or
lower dissemination. Out of these varieties both ordinary and quality wines are produced, but
their reputation abroad is usually low.
Among the most famous white wine varieties, which combine a remarkable quality potential
and notoriety, are included Feteasca Alb, Feteasca Regal and Crmpoie varieties (Tab 7).

The muscat-like aroma varieties include Tmioasa Romneasc and Busuioaca de Bohotin.
The red most known autochtonous varieties are Feteasca Neagr, Babeasca Neagr and
Roioara.
The second group of varieties, cultivated at least since the beginning of the 20th century
(post-phylloxera-time) and largely extended at present, consists of international varieties.
White wine grapes such as Welsch Riesling, Aligot, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Ottonel
are well known and appreciated. Among the international red varieties mainly Merlot and
Cabernet Sauvignon are the most represented (Tab. 7).
Table 7. Surfaces cultivated with the main grape varieties and their evolution from 2009 to 2012
Variety
White varieties
Feteasca regal
Feteasca alb
Riesling
Aligot
Sauvignon
Muscat Ottonel
Total main white
Red varieties
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Babeasca Neagr
Roioara
Feteasca Neagr
Total main red
Other varieties
Other white and red
varieties
TOTAL

Surface cultivated (ha)

Proportion of the total vine surface

(%)

2009

2011

2012

2009

13391.4
13250.2
7451.7
7129.9
4138.2
3655.4
49016.8

13300.7
13026.6
7550.6
6915.1
4572.6
3767.1
49132.5

12899.06
12595.86
7652.33
6208.34
5461.86
4346.76
49164.2

7.4
7.3
4.1
3.9
2.3
2.0
27.0

7.3
7.2
4.2
3.8
2.5
2.1
27.0

7.0
6.9
4.2
3.4
3.0
2.4
26.8

11563.7
4069.9
3184.9
2902.3
1738.6
23459.3

11650.9
4268.3
3079.9
2898.8
2037.4
23935.4

11630.94
5307.85
2724.38
2852.09
2488.76
25004.0

6.4
2.2
1.8
1.6
1.0
13.0

6.4
2.4
1.7
1.6
1.1
13.2

6.3
2.9
1.5
1.6
1.4
13.7

108866.7
181342.8

108493.9
181561.8

109001.4
183169.6

60.0
100.0

2011

59.8
100.0

2012

59.5
100.0

However, for the quality wines with Denomination of Controlled Origin, many other
varieties cultivated on smaller surfaces are used (Tab. 8). In this category falls the
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, Rhine Riesling, Viognier for whites and Pinot
noir, Syrah, Cadarca and Cabernet franc for reds. Some of these varieties are newly
introduced to Romania and have already proven they are suitable for the quality wine
production.
A third group of varieties are the Romanian new breeds. They are quite numerous and
include both white and red varieties and table grape varieties. Among the new varieties
cultivated for quality wines (Tab. 8) we can mention arba and Columna for white wines and
Negru de Drgani and Novac for reds.
As we see, the assortment of the vine varieties cultivated is a major contributor to the low
proportion of DOC and GI wines produced, because the surfaces cultivated with varieties with
recognized potential for quality wines are still low, compared to the proportion found in other
countries famous for their wine production.

Table 8. Surfaces and varieties used for DOC wine production in 2010 and 2011
Variety
White wines
Sauvignon blanc
Feteasca regal
Riesling Italian
Feteasca alb
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Grasa
Aligote
Frncua
Traminer
Rhein Riesling
Crmpoie
arba
Zghihara
Viognier
Neuburger
Columna
Mustoasa
Galbena
Iordana
Furmint
Plvaie
Total white DOC wines
Aromatic wines
Muscat Ottonel
Tmioas romneasc
Busuioac
Tmioas roz
Total aromatic DOC wines
Red wines
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Feteasca neagr
Pinot noir
Babeasca neagr
Burgund
Syrah
Cabernet franc
Cadarca
Marcelan
Negru de Drgani
Novac
Zweigelt
Total red DOC wines
Sparkling DOC wines
Total DOC Wines

2010
Surface used for
DOC wines (ha)

% of the total
DOC wines

2011
Surface used for
DOC wines (ha)

% of the total
DOC wines

1160.1
1001.2
1075.8
573.9
579.9
558.8
360.2
366.3
284.2
203.4
34.3
74.7
54.5
26.1
11.1
8.7
8.0
2.8
1.2
0.0
1.8
0.0

10.0
8.7
9.3
5.0
5.0
4.8
3.1
3.2
2.5
1.8
0.3
0.6
0.5
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

1103.5
1048.7
941.4
607.0
582.0
529.9
369.9
246.6
261.6
245.9
108.2
78.5
24.8
23.9
11.3
10.3
8.0
8.3
2.5
5.1
3.3
0.8

9.7
9.2
8.3
5.3
5.1
4.7
3.3
2.2
2.3
2.2
1.0
0.7
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

6386.9

55.3

6221.3

54.7

835.6
354.9
7.8
0.0

7.2
3.1
0.1
0.0

915.1
500.2
55.0
12.8

8.0
4.4
0.5
0.1

1198.2

10.4

1483.2

13.0

1540.0
1109.2
502.0
471.3
78.9
61.8
40.5
0.0
8.0
5.0
4.3
0.9
11.0

13.3
9.6
4.3
4.1
0.7
0.5
0.4
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1

1074.1
1202.1
679.9
465.1
64.2
54.5
45.8
7.0
5.8
10.0
2.7
0.9
0.0

9.4
10.6
6.0
4.1
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0

3832.8

33.2

3612.1

31.8

137.5

1.2

51.2

0.5

11555.5

11367.8

In spite of the investments recently made in new vineyards, the increase of the surfaces
covered with some of the internationally most recognized varieties was not significant. For
example, the surfaces covered with Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot slightly
decreased, in spite of the new plantings, because the old vineyards needed to be grubbed. The
surfaces of Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon decreased from about 5800 ha each in
1990 (Nmoloanu and Antoce, 2000) to 5500 ha and 5300 ha, respectively, in 2012, while
the surfaces of Merlot decreased from about 11700 ha in 1990 to 11600 ha in 2012.
Moreover, the surfaces with Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Rhine Riesling, Syrah and
so on are still under 2000 ha, being in this way reported as other white and red varieties in
Tab. 7, even though their surfaces increased too during past years.
Also, as stated before, even the varieties that normally produce quality wines are, for
various reasons, not always turned into wines with DOC. For example in 2011 (Tab. 7 and 8),
of the 4573 ha of Sauvignon blanc only 1103.5 ha (24%) were turned into DOC wines, while
of the 11651 ha of Merlot and 4268 ha of Cabernet Sauvignon only 9% and 28%, respectively
were made and reported as DOC wines.
In spite of this situation, it is important to note that it is still possible to achieve an increase
of the surfaces occupied with varieties for quality wines, because Romania has many
vineyards with very favorable conditions which can support the obtaining of DOC wines, but
where under-performing varieties are planted. As soon as financial and management factors
converge, by replacing some of these less suitable varieties with varieties with a proven
record in the production of DOC wines we will witness an increase of the proportion of DOC
wines out of the total wine production of the country.
Another aspect which becomes apparent from Tab. 8 is that the balance within the DOC
category is still in favor of the white wines (about 55% of DOC wines are white, compared to
only about 32% red), which is another area where the Romanian market differs from others.
Yet, this ratio is better in the case of DOCs compared to the situation in the total wine
production, where we have about 70% whites. So it can be said that Romanian consumers
demand a larger proportion of white wines, in general, but the situation is a little more
balanced when it comes to DOC wines, where the reds have been showing some progress in
recent years.
CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of its background of tradition and favorable geographic and eco-climatic
conditions, Romanian viticulture and winemaking continue the process of modernization and
upgrading which began in 1989 and received new impetus in 2007 when Romania joined the
European Union. While the situation is far from ideal and there are still many remnants of the
old system to hinder the activity to a certain degree, the forces of free market and competition
coupled with private initiative appear to converge towards a trajectory characterized by
development and progress. At the same time it is interesting to observe how these factors
interact with the market and the consumers, but also with the regulating authorities.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
*** Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 of 29 April 2008 on the common organization of the
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*** Document 52003DC0838, Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the
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in
specified
regions
/*
COM/2003/0838
final
*/,
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Development regarding the approval of the tehnical norms for the production of wines with
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*** Ministry Order No. 732 of August 2nd, 2005 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural
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for still wines and for sparkling wines approved for the use in Romania, of the lists with the
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(EC) No 479/2008 and in Article 74 of Regulation (EC) No 555/2008.
*** Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2008, http://www.mapam.ro;
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