Romania — wine

Dealu Mare Wine Region

Dealu Mare ('Big Hill') is Romania's premium red wine region, located on the southern slopes of the Carpathian foothills in Prahova County at 200–400m. The name-sake rolling hills on clay-limestone soils capture maximum sun while the Carpathians block cold northern air. International varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah alongside indigenous Feteasca Neagră produce wines of considerable depth and structure. Several French-invested estates have brought quality to international attention.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Carpathian microclimate performed well; Feteasca Neagră showed characteristic mulberry and wild herb character.
2022 Outstanding Romanian vintage; warm concentrated fruit from Dealu Mare's clay-limestone sites produced wines of international quality.
2021 Mixed year; spring frost in the Prahova valley created challenges but careful site selection delivered honest wines.
2020 Solid Dealu Mare vintage; reliable Carpathian shadow climate produced consistent Cabernet and Feteasca of good character.
2019 Fine Romanian vintage; Dealu Mare produced both its Bordeaux blends and Feteasca Neagră at benchmark quality simultaneously.