Overview
Cotnari sits on rolling calcareous hills at 200 to 400 metres, protected from northerly winds and enjoying a long, dry autumn. The cool continental climate and low rainfall create ideal conditions for botrytis cinerea.
Unlike most Romanian regions, Cotnari has stayed faithful to indigenous varieties. Its historic sweet wines are built on Grasă de Cotnari, Frâncușă, Fetească Albă and Tămâioasă Românească, producing honeyed, complex whites.
Key Varietals
- Grasă de CotnariThe region's signature white for lusciously sweet, botrytised wines.
- FrâncușăA local white contributing freshness, floral fruit and balance to blends.
- Fetească AlbăAn ancient white that adds delicate stone fruit and brisk acidity.
- Tămâioasă RomâneascăA fragrant variety that brings muscat-like floral and honey notes.
Region snapshot
Climate
Cool continental
Rainfall
Around 475 mm annually
Soil Types
Limestone, clay, marl, sand and sandstone