Cotnari is a wine region located in the northeast of Romania, known for its sweet and semi-sweet white wines. The vineyards of Cotnari stretch over 2400 hectares, and the main grape varieties grown include Frâncușă, Feteasca Alba, and Tamâioasă Romanescă.
The history of Cotnari vineyard dates back to the 15th century, but its wines gained international recognition in the 19th century when they won several awards at international wine competitions. The wines of Cotnari were even said to be loved by famous personalities such as Napoleon III and Edgar Degas.
The unique taste of Cotnari wine is attributed to a combination of factors. The region has a specific microclimate that allows the grapes to get fully ripe, and the soil - rich in minerals and trace elements - gives the wine its distinct mineral character. Additionally, traditionally some of the wines are made using a technique called nobly rot, which further concentrates the flavors, making the wine strongly aromatic and sweet.
The Cotnari vineyard also houses a wine museum that offers visitors a historical overview of wine production in the area, and organizes wine tastings and tours in the vineyard.
