Characterization of Quality Potential of Feteasca Neagra Grapes Cultivated in Different Romanian Wine Regions

Abstract

Abstract The autochthonous Feteasca neagra variety, cultivated in four wine regions of Romania, was comparatively assessed in order to characterize its quality potential in different terroirs. Among the variables of the terroir, the clone of Feteasca neagra is also a factor. Thus, in Murfatlar region we find either clone 9Mf or the massal selection, in Stefanesti clone 4VI is planted, while in Pietroasa and Bucharest clone 10Pt is cultivated. To assess the behaviour of the variety in different wine regions physico-chemical analyses of the grapes were performed, along with the determination of the uvological and phenolic maturity parameters. The results show a high variability, induced both by the cultivation conditions and the selected clone. Although the harvesting was done at approximately the same date, differences in all assessed parameters are found to be directly dependent on the clone, even in the case of the cultivation in the same region (Murfatlar), while the same clone (10Pt) shows a different behaviour when cultivated in separated regions (Pietroasa or Bucharest). The most important characteristics of the grapes are presented and discussed, with a special emphasis on the parameters related to phenolic maturity, which are the most important for the colour and aging potential of the wines. The other compositional parameters are discussed as well, as they also influence the wine’s balance. The favourability of the different regions for the cultivation of Feteasca neagra is assessed, taking into account the wine style which can be obtained from the raw materials, such as wines destined for aging or wines suitable for consumption while young