Evolution of grapevine surfaces in Romania after accession to European Union – period 2007–2016

Abstract

The paper focuses on the evolution of the surfaces planted in Romania with the main wine grape varieties and also attempts to describe the impact of the funds received for the vine and wine sector after the country's accession to European Union in 2007. The evolution of planted surfaces and production is followed for the period 2007–2016, based on the data recorded in the digital database called National Register for Vine Plantations. The study presents the evolution of the surfaces covered with the most widely spread autochthonous and international varieties, for both white and red wines, which are, in decreasing order, Fetească regală, Fetească albă, Merlot, Riesling, Aligote, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Ottonel, Fetească neagră, Pinot noir and Chardonnay. The largest newly planted surfaces were recorded in 2011 for most of these varieties, but a high impact of the support received from the EU was visible throughout the period 2008–2012. Later on, from 2013–2016, the rate of planting started to decrease.