Clash of the Maidens: Exploring Romania and Moldova’s Grapevine Rivalry
In the world of wine, certain grape varieties hold a special place, not only for their distinctive flavors but also for the cultural significance they carry. Among these are Fetească Albă (translated as White Maiden), Fetească Regală (Royal Maiden), Fetească Neagră (Black Maiden) and Rara Neagră (Rare Black) — varieties that have sparked a spirited debate between Romania and Moldova over their origins. Both countries lay claim to these grapes, each asserting its own historical and viticultural heritage. As this friendly rivalry unfolds, we aim to explore the best wines produced from these grapes in both Romania and Moldova, showcasing the unique terroir and winemaking prowess of each nation.
To compare and emphasize the best wines for each grape variety we will use GWMR (Global Wine Rating) — an aggregate rating of all the wine’s medals and vivino reviews in a single 100 points rating.
For more details on GWR please read this article.
To make the wine charts uptodate and to avoid wines that are no longer available on the market we will take into account only vintages that received at least a medal during events in 2023. But for these wines, all the medals will be taken into consideration, even the ones received since 2020.
Fetească Albă
Fetească Albă,or “White Maiden,” is a white grape variety that thrives in the climate of both Romania and Moldova as well as some other Balcanian countries. While its exact origins are subject to debate, Fetească Albă has become a staple of winemaking in both countries, prized for its fresh acidity and delicate flavors. Such wines often display notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, and green apple, with a lively acidity and clean finish. They offer a taste of the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of the Black Sea region.
Fetească Albă varietal wines (You can find more wines in this category here):
In this chart, varietal wines from Moldova hold the first two places. However, the remainder of the top spots are largely dominated by Romanian winemakers, highlighting the diversity and quality of wines produced in both countries.
White Blends that have Fetească Albă in their composition (You can find more wines in this category here):
In the chart of blended wines, a similar trend emerges, with four out of the top five wines hailing from Moldova. The remaining 10 wines in the top rankings are exclusively Romanian.
Fetească Regală
Fetească Regală, or “Royal Maiden,” is a white grape variety renowned for its elegance and versatility in winemaking. While its origins are disputed, both Romania and Moldova have made significant contributions to the cultivation and promotion of Fetească Regală wines.
Fetească Regală varietal wines (You can find more wines in this category here):
Competition in this ranking is fierce, with wines from both countries securing their place among the top spots.
White Blends that have Fetească Regală in their composition (You can find more wines in this category here):
The upper section of this chart for blended wines is predominantly occupied by Moldovan selections.
Fetească Neagră
Fetească Neagră, or “Black Maiden” in English, is a revered indigenous grape variety with deep roots in the wine traditions of both Romania and Moldova. Known for its dark skins and rich flavors, Fetească Neagră has become a symbol of excellence in winemaking for both nations.. Whether from Romania or Moldova, Fetească Neagră wines stand as a testament to the rich winemaking heritage shared by these neighboring countries.
Red Fetească Neagră varietal wines (You can find more wines in this category here):
Romanian winemakers hold the top three spots in this category, showcasing their excellence in crafting exceptional wines. However, the competition is tight, with most of the wines featured in this chart boasting GWR scores above 90 points. This places them among the elite ranks of great wines, highlighting the outstanding quality and craftsmanship of winemaking.
Red Blends that have Fetească Neagră în their composition (You can find more wines in this category here):
The landscape shifts in the category of blended wines, with Moldova securing the top spot. Despite this change, the quality remains consistently high, as evidenced by the impressive GWR scores of all the featured wines.
Rose Fetească Neagră varietal wines (You can find more wines in this category here):
Rose wines typically receive less participation in wine competitions, with only 8 of them earning medals in 2023. Interestingly, the top two spots in the chart are occupied by Moldovan wines.
Rose Blends that have Fetească Neagră in their composition (You can find more wines in this category here):
The top 15 rose blends are predominantly composed of Romanian wines, with Moldovan wines securing the third and fourth positions.
Rara Neagră
Rara Neagră, or “Rare Black” in English, is a lesser-known grape variety that has nevertheless captured the attention of wine enthusiasts in Romania and Moldova. Being a very old grape variety its origins remain a subject of debate, both countries have embraced Rara Neagră for its unique character and potential in winemaking.
Red Rara Neagră varietal wines (You can find more wines in this category here):
Unfortunately, only one Romanian varietal wine received medals last year, securing the last position on this chart.
Red Blends that have Rara Neagră in their composition (You can find more wines in this category here):
The situation is similar in blended wines, with no Romanian wines making it to the top 15.
Rose Rara Neagră wines — Both single varietal and blends (You can find more wines in this category here):
For rose wines, both blends and varietal ones, only one Romanian wine managed to secure a top position.
All the three charts above suggest that Rara Neagra may not be the most popular grape variety in Romania.
Sparkling wines with indigenous grapes
In the effervescent world of sparkling wines, both Romania and Moldova showcase their mastery with indigenous grape varieties, adding a unique twist to the bubbly experience. Each of the grapes contribute their distinct flavors and characteristics to these delightful sparkling creations.
Sparkling wines with any of the grapes mentioned above in their composition (You can find more wines in this category here):
In conclusion, the friendly rivalry between Romania and Moldova over the origin of indigenous grape varieties highlights the diversity and richness of wine culture in the Black Sea region. Despite the debate, both countries have demonstrated their prowess in winemaking, producing exceptional wines from these unique grape varieties.
This comparison underscores the versatility and potential of using platforms like Global Wine Rating to conduct similar regional battles of wines across different countries and regions. With GWR’s comprehensive rating system, winemakers and enthusiasts alike can explore and celebrate the distinctive qualities of various wines, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world of wine.
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