“Babeasca Neagra, a Romanian grape variety, has a rich history and is known by nearly 80 different names around the world. While it has declined in popularity in recent years, it still covers a significant area of vineyards in Romania. This red grape variety produces light, aromatic wines with high acidity. Considered by some to be a “second-hand” grape, Babeasca Neagra is often blended with other varieties rather than being sold on its own. Despite this, it shares similarities with popular grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Gamay. With its unique characteristics and potential for producing quality wines, Babeasca Neagra continues to be a fascinating grape variety in the world of wine production.”
Babeasca Neagra: A Romanian Grape Variety for Wine Production
Introduction to Babeasca Neagra
Babeasca Neagra is a grape variety that holds a significant place in Romanian viticulture. With its deep roots in the history of viticulture, Babeasca Neagra has developed various clonal variations and mutations, giving birth to new grape varieties such as Babeasca Alba and Babeasca Gri. This grape is known for its capacity to be enjoyed and has gained popularity in Romanian wine production. Learn more about other Romanian wines in our Beginner’s Guide to Romanian Wine.
Varieties and Names of Babeasca Neagra
Over time, Babeasca Neagra has been given numerous names, providing clues about its geographical distribution. With almost 80 different names worldwide, including “Rara Neagra” in the Republic of Moldavia and “Chernyi Redkii” in Ukraine and Daghestan, Babeasca Neagra has a diverse presence. It was also bottled under the name “Sereksiya” in the United States. Variations and mutations have resulted in the development of other grape varieties such as Babeasca Alba and Babeasca Gri. See more about other prominent Romanian grape varieties in our article on Grape Varieties in Romanian Wine Production.
Historical Background of Babeasca Neagra
The history of viticulture in Romania dates back centuries, and Babeasca Neagra has played a significant role. Some ampelography specialists believe that this grape variety originated in the XIV century. It has since evolved and spread across different regions in Romania. The birthplace of Babeasca Neagra is believed to be the Nicorești vineyard in Galati County. From there, it migrated to various regions, including Moldavia, Vrancea, Dobrogea, Dealu Mare, Banat, and Minis. Explore these growing regions further in our guide to Exploring the Wine Regions of Romania.
Area of Cultivation
Babeasca Neagra has had a substantial presence in Romanian viticulture, with an estimated 6,000 hectares of plantations in the early 2000s. It was the most widely planted red grape variety in Romania at that time. However, statistics from 2008 indicated a decline in the cultivated area to approximately 4,500 hectares. Currently, Babeasca Neagra covers around 2,700 hectares, which is the same as the Feteasca Neagra grape variety. Despite its significant cultivation area, it is rarely found on store shelves, as many producers prefer to use it in blends.
Commercial Availability
Babeasca Neagra has limited availability on store shelves, as many producers choose to incorporate it into different blends. This preference for blends has impacted both producers and consumers. The wine produced from Babeasca Neagra is characterized by its lightness, high fruitiness, and acidity, making it easy to drink. However, it has often been unfairly regarded as a “second-hand” grape.
Characteristics of Babeasca Neagra Wine
Babeasca Neagra wine has a ruby color and a light to medium body. It exhibits both red fruit aromas, such as sour cherries and prunes, and floral tones, including violets, peonies, and iris. The wine also has a subtle earthy background. In terms of taste, Babeasca Neagra wine is light, with red fruit notes and a considerable acidity. It has a tonic touch in the after-taste. The wine is often compared to other grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cadarca, Zweigelt, Gamay, St. Laurent, and Blaufrankisch. Check out detailed comparisons in our post on Romanian Grape Varieties.
Comparison to Other Grape Varieties
Babeasca Neagra shares similarities with the popular Pinot Noir grape variety. Like Pinot Noir, Babeasca Neagra is known for its lightness and aromatic profile. It also resembles other grape varieties such as Cadarca, Zweigelt, Gamay, St. Laurent, and Blaufrankisch, both structurally and aromatically. These similarities make Babeasca Neagra a versatile grape for wine production. To learn about exceptional wine-making practices in Romania, visit our post on The Rich History of Romanian Wine Making.
Physical Characteristics of Babeasca Neagra Grapes
Babeasca Neagra grapes are branchy, with sparse berries and heterogeneous characteristics. The cumulated sugar quantity in the grapes averages around 180 g/l, with some variations reaching 210-220 g/l. This grape variety is highly productive, yielding up to an average of 15,000 kg/ha.
Vinification Process for Babeasca Neagra
Winemakers have different approaches to vinifying Babeasca Neagra. One recommended method is the Saignae method, which involves extracting 25-30% of the must to produce a rosé wine and then refilling the tank with more must. This method enhances the concentration of flavors and colors in the wine. Babeasca Neagra wines, even when aged in barrels, are recommended to be consumed within five years of bottling. Find more on the importance of winemaking techniques in our article on Top Romanian Wineries.
Unique Clone of Babeasca Neagra
In Nicoresti, there is a unique clone of Babeasca Neagra known as Cracana. This clone is distinguished by its red grape clusters and slightly flattened grapes, resulting in a wine with a distinct personality. The Cracana clone has made an impact on wine production in the region and adds diversity to the range of Babeasca Neagra wines.
In conclusion, Babeasca Neagra is a Romanian grape variety that holds historical significance in Romanian viticulture. It is known by numerous names and has evolved through clonal variations and mutations, giving rise to other grape varieties. While commercial availability may be limited, Babeasca Neagra wine is characterized by its lightness, high fruitiness, acidity, and unique flavors. It shares similarities with popular grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and is highly productive. The unique clone of Babeasca Neagra, Cracana, offers a distinctive twist to wine production. With growing demand and interest, Babeasca Neagra continues to contribute to the diversity and quality of Romanian wines.
