In the west of Romania there are two viticultural regions benefiting from different climate conditions and thus producing various superior liquors. In the north, in Crisana and Maramures, they especially grow indigenous grape varieties for white wines. In the south, in the vineyards of Banat, you can feel the Mediterranean influence favoring both white and red varieties. The liquors from these vineyards stand out with their fruity bouquets and persistent aromas.

The old art of making wine, the region’s potential and the new technologies turned the grape vine to advantage. In the wineries in Banat, Crisana and Maramures you can taste wines with tradition, highly appreciated both in the country and abroad.

The Viticultural Region of Crisana and Maramures

The vineyards in this area spread over the hills of Crisana and Maramures, the Oradea and Arad depressions and the sands of the Tisa Plain. The Diosig, Silvania and Valea lui Mihai viticultural areas are known for the balanced and acid white wines, like the Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Italian Riesling or Muscat Ottonel. The liquors from Valea lui Mihai Vineyard, obtained from the two varieties, Feteasca Regala and Mustoasa de Măderat, have a remarkable maturation potential, distinguishing themselves through their fresh aroma. At Silvania they still produce natural sparkling wines by using the Champenoise classic method which presupposes fermentation in a bottle for a period of three years.

The most important viticultural area of this region is the Arad Vineyard, a provider for the Imperial House of Vienna in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the MiniÅŸ and MÓ‘derat centers, some of the most renowned in the country, local varieties are cultivated:  Cadarca de MiniÅŸ, Mustoasa de Măderat, Iordana, but also Burgund Mare, Feteasca Neagra, Merlot, Italian Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, also known as “the Minis wine king”. Robust, rough, corpulent or delicate and soft, the liquors from Arad are a real delight for the senses.

Tourists can taste wines at the MiniÅŸ wineries, situated at the foot of the Zarandului Mountains, in a story like scenery. In the specially arranged cellars, scented by the unique smell of the barrels, you can enjoy exceptional natural wines accompanied by traditional dishes. Vineyard lovers can enjoy a prolonged staying since the winery offers accommodations at their board and lodging.

The Viticultural Region of Banat

In Banat, harvesting wine grapes goes back to the times of the Roman Empire. The legends of the place say that Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, was born and raised here. The vineyards in Banat do not spread over wide surfaces, but they benefit from mild temperatures and rich precipitation. In the viticultural centers in Moldova Noua, Tirol, Silagiu, RecaÅŸ, Jamu Mare and Teremia, they mostly grow white varieties, although in the last years, red varieties started to populate the western vineyards. Table grape varieties are also present, like Chasselas, Muscat Hamburg and Muscat Adda.

The most well known vineyard of this region is RecaÅŸ, whose history goes back to the mid 15th century.  Golden or crimson, the fame of the RecaÅŸ liquors went beyond the borders of the country, reaching popularity in the entire Europe, Asia and the USA. The wineries invite for a pleasant walk on the plantation, continued in the wine production complex and in the cellars, where tastings take place.  Here, you can taste one of the rare local wines – Creata de Banat (or the Banat Riesling), balmy and with a flavored bouquet.

* For further details on the RecaÅŸ Wineries go to  http://www.recaswine.ro/.

Although dispersed and cultivated on narrow surfaces, the vineyards in western Romania are part of the local culture of this region. From ancient times, the vines in Banat, Crisana and Maramures have produced wines of superior quality, satisfying the most pretentions requirements.

[An article written by Andreea Bertea]