Buyin' Oeno: Oddball Regions

Hungary
Hungary is the 9th largest wine producing region. Two-thirds of their production is white wine, mostly made from Olaszrizling (Welsh Riesling). One of their more internationally acclaimed wines is the sweet Tokaj, which is made primarily from the Furmint grape and is praised for its apricot characteristics. For reds, they utilize more common varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot although they do have some luck with Zweigelt and their native Kékfrankos (which produces fuller reds).

Romania
Romania is the 8th largest wine producing region. The bulk of their wines are consumed within their country and therefore are not available for export (which is not necessarily a bad thing). There is a desire for them to make more quality wine to export, so they have enlisted the help of industry people from Europe and Australia. Currently they do mostly lighter dry reds and whites, but also a few sweet dessert wines.

Moldova
Moldova did not become an independent republic until 1991, which makes them the new kid on the block in terms of wine production. They show great promise because most of their vineyards are planted in temperate zones which only receive moderate rainfall. Growers there have grafted popular international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. A formal system of wine laws is being developed, which will ensure quality regulations in the future.

Another area that is gaining recognition are the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are now seeing wines from Turkey, Greece, Lebanon and Israel. Like the others, most of their production is consumed within their borders. Israel is probably the youngest of all the regions, with their wine industry dating back a mere century. Their initial plan was to make Kosher wine for religious observance. Most of Israel's original product resembled much of the Kosher wine that was consumed here in the states about 30 years ago -- sickly sweet and one dimensional. Their new focus is on dry wines of international style.

Many of these lesser known wine producing regions have come light years from where they were, but still have much room for improvement. A lot of them have adapted the “New World” style of producing and bottling wine to help them in the international market, such as listing the varietal on the label, as opposed to the “Old World” style, of only listing the region. It is certainly exciting to see new competition in the market, and we will continue to do our part by drinking it up. We’re interested in hearing what your favorite Oddball wine region is, so please share with us in the comments.

Wines to Try:
Graystone Pinot Gris from Cahul, Moldova $12
This wine’s floral and honey notes harmoniously balance its crisp refreshing acidity. Its style falls right in the middle of Italian Pinot Grigio and Alsace Pinot Gris.

Craftsman Falconer’s Cuvee from Aszar-Neszmely, Hungary $13
This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Kékfrankos has firm structure, but moderate tannins with dark fruit and smoky overtones.

Golan Heights Cabernet Sauvignon from Upper Galil, Israel $15
Not your typical Cabernet, Golan Height’s is a smoother, more earthy, mineral driven wine that resembles more of a Bordeaux style than a New World Cali Cab.

Legacy Golden Valley Tamaioasa from Pietroasa, Romania $11
Tamaioasa is the grape here and only about 110 acres of it are planted world-wide. This wine is done in the late-harvest style with a touch of botrytis, which results in a lighter-styled dessert wine that is laced with honey and apricot richness.

Wine To Do:
Building Your Perfect Cellar- Wouldn’t it be great to have your own wine cellar? Or at least know how and why one would? Perhaps you just want to taste some great cellar staples for a little mid-week relief! Whatever the reason you’ll definitely want to check out the collaboration dinner of Best Cellars and Lia’s restaurant in Chevy Chase. This event will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. It is a four-course meal paired with eight wines and an interactive class with a certified sommelier. The cost is $70/pp tax (with tip included). Tickets are limited and can be purchased either by calling Best Cellars at 703-741-0404 or online here.