Fetească Neagră

Romania's Flagship Grape Variety

A remarkable grape variety with the structure of Cabernet, the spiciness of Syrah, and the smoothness of Merlot ♪

A grape variety with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the spiciness of Syrah, and the smoothness of Merlot, Fetească Neagră is Romania's most promising indigenous black grape. Cultivated across nearly the entire country, it is often celebrated as the flagship of Romanian black grapes.

Origin

Fetească Neagră originates from the Iași and Huși regions of Romania. It is an ancient variety closely related to wild grapes (Vitis sylvestris), separated by only one or two generations. Although its exact origin remains uncertain, its roots are firmly planted in Romanian soil.

History

Historical references to a grape resembling Fetească Neagră date back to a Russian commander's travel journal from 1787–1791, but the first verified mention appears in Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu’s "Language Survey" (1884–1892). Identified as originating from Iași and Huși, it has been cited in various 19th- and 20th-century writings.

Area under Cultivation

As of 2022, the total cultivation area in Romania is 3,176.20 hectares. It is grown in a wide range of climates, from cool to warm regions.

Outside Romania, it is cultivated in Moldova (242 hectares), Ukraine, and Hungary.

Wine Characteristics

Fetească Neagră is celebrated for its rich fruitiness and spicy complexity, delivering aromas of plum, blackberry, and cloves. Its wines are known for abundant yet refined tannins and a smooth, soft mouthfeel.

This versatile grape produces a range of wines, from fresh, easy-drinking rosés to concentrated, full-bodied reds with exceptional aging potential.

Clarifying the Origin

On numerous websites, blogs, and social media posts, Fetească Neagră is often mistakenly identified as originating from the Republic of Moldova. However, it’s important to recognize that the first recorded mention of a grape variety typically serves as its official birth certificate. Historical documents from the 18th and 19th centuries confirm that this variety originates within the present-day borders of Romania.

Moreover, Fetească Neagră is officially registered in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) under number 4120 as a Romanian variety. The first mention of the grape in what is now the Republic of Moldova only appeared in 1966.

Fetească Neagră stands as a cornerstone of Romanian viticulture, possessing all the qualities needed to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Romanian wine on the international stage.

Sources

• Tiberiu Onuțu
• ONVPV
• Romanian Ministry of Agriculture
• Julius Kühn-Institut

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