Romanian Wine

Crippled by lack of investment and a Soviet legacy, Romania actually has more vineyard planted than any other Eastern European country. lt also has the greatest unrealised potential. Most of its production is consumed in the homeland, thanks to the Romanians' love of wine, but the stuff that does make it over here tends to be the least exciting and the most uninspired. Still, give it a decade or two, and you never know.

Major white grape varieties: Aligoté, Sauvignon Blanc, Feteasca, Welsch, Riesling.

Major red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir.

Key areas to watch: Tirnave, Murfatlar, Dealul Mare.