Cotnari has long been associated with traditional sweet wines and with grape varieties that are deeply rooted in the local terroir. The emblematic Grasa de Cotnari is one of the vineyard's defining grapes, producing rich, concentrated wines with generous fruit and natural sweetness. Alongside it, Francusa contributes freshness and elegance, helping shape the distinctive balance for which Cotnari became historically renowned.
The vineyard is organised around the traditional centres of Cotnari, Harlau, Cucuteni and Frumusica. Vineyards occupy plateaus, terraces and predominantly southern exposures, reaching elevations of up to approximately 350 metres. Chernozem and calcareous soils, together with a relatively cool climate and long sunny autumns, create conditions that allow grapes to ripen slowly and accumulate high levels of sugar while retaining aromatic complexity.
The historical importance of Cotnari extends well beyond Romania. By the beginning of the 20th century, its wines were already being discussed internationally and compared with some of Europe's established sweet wine traditions. This reputation was built on a combination of local varieties, distinctive climatic conditions and generations of specialised wine production.
Today, Cotnari S.A. cultivates extensive vineyard holdings centred on traditional varieties such as Grasa de Cotnari, Feteasca Alba, Tamaioasa Romaneasca and Francusa. Casa de Vinuri Cotnari has expanded the modern identity of the vineyard through premium wines, controlled yields and varieties such as Feteasca Neagra and Busuioaca de Bohotin. Together, these producers connect Cotnari's historic identity with a more diverse contemporary wine portfolio.
Discover one of Romania's most historic vineyards, from the legendary Grasa de Cotnari and Francusa to elegant Feteasca varieties and modern wines rooted in centuries of Moldavian wine tradition.
