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The best wines of Romania, and those most likely to be seen outside the country, come from four main regions: Tirnave; Cotnari- Dealul Mare; and Murfatlar. The region of Tirnave in Transylvania, north of the Carpathian Mountains, has vineyards in poor soil on a plateau between two rivers, the Tirnave Mare and Tirnave Mica, and benefits from a mild micro-climate. The vines - Feteasca Alba and Feteasca Regala, Riesling Italico, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris make white wines with good aroma and firm acidity.
On the southern foothills of the Carpathians are the vineyards of Dealul Mare, near the industrial town of Ploiesti, north of Bucharest. The vineyards are situated in an oil field, making a picture of extraordinary contrast of numerous small oil rigs surrounded by vines. Here the climate is warmer and some red grape varieties are grown, most successfully Pinot Noir, as well as some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Feteasca Neagra. Tamaiioasa is also good here. There is a research station, with modern facilities.
The warmest region, and also the driest, is Murfatlar, near the port of Constanta. Here Cabernet Sauvignon is at its best, benefiting from the warming influence of the Black Sea to produce some ripe flavours.
There are other appellations producing wines of less interest on the Banat plain in the west; Segarcea, Stefanesti and Dragasani in the south; Odobesti and Nicoresti in the east.
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