In Romania, grape growing and wine production are traditional activities going back as far as times b.C. Several authors consider that the origins of vitis vinifera lies somewhere along the south and north banks of the lower Danube.

Even ancient Greek chronicles mention these occupations as traditional for people living north of the river Danube and their wines as the most famous ones. These statements are nowadays confirmed by Hugh Johnson in his World Encyclopedia for Wines in the following words: "Among Balcanian countries developing the viticulture, Romania is certainly offering the best quality elements."

Although climatically very different, Romania lies as the same latitude as France, with a coastal region at the Black Sea and the Carpathian Mountains which split the country. The climate, soil and sun exposure are the factors which determine successful wine growing and the quality of the wine. The Romanian climate is highly favourable with a season that lasts from April to October.

From the Romanian native varieties we would like to focus on the Feteasca Neagra, which produces highly original wines. The variety is cultivated on the Moldavian hills since ancient times. It shouws great characteristics and is very rare outside our country. Due to its vigorous and short vegetation period (150-160 days), this variety has to be grafted on less sturdy rootstock and to be planted where the soil is not so fertile. The Feteasca Neagra wines are dry or medium-dry, with a high alcohol concentration (over 12% vol.), displaying an average acidity and high extract. The great qualities and the very particular character makes the Feteasca Neagra wine an unmistakable jewel on the shield of Romanian winemaking.

During 1998 a new legislation concerning the vine growing and wine producing based on the EU provisions and standards was adapted to Romanian particularity. Through these regulation the areas producing wines with denomination of origin. Of a general interest is the classification of the wines with denomination of origin: - wines with denomination of controlled origin: DOC
- wines with denomination of controlled origin and quality grades: DOCC

Depending on the stage of grape maturation at vintage these wines are classified into:
- harvested at full ripening: DOCC CMD (the grapes were harvested at a sugar content of min. 196 g/l)
- late harvested: DOCC CT (the grapes were harvested at a sugar content of min. 220 g/l)
- harvested when the grape berries are ennobled: DOCC CIB (the grapes were harvested at a sugar content of min. 240 g/l, with an attack of 'noble rot' or gathered at the shriveling of the berries)