The Eastern Europe Grape Varieties

The most predominant of all the  south eastern European grape varieties is the Welschriesling, a variety best known for medium dry white wines. The Welschriesling should not be confused with the Rhein Riesling : it is an entirely different variety, and a number of eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, grow both. European Community regulations state that the varietal description "Riesling" must be given to "Rhine Riesling" only. Welschriesling must, therefore, be described on labels under its full name or one of the regional variations (such as Laski Riesling in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, and Olasz Rizling in Hungary).

Slovakia

Recent improvements in vinification and bottling have led to increasing numbers of exports of cheap, simple white wines from international varieties such as Pinot Blanc , as well as wines from local varieties such as easy-drinking reds from the Frankovka grape and whites from Irsay Oliver (the Hungarian Irsai Oliver), which is a Muscat cross.

Hungary

Most wines seen on international markets from Hungary are produced from inexpensive varietals of west European grapes. As well as these, there are the black grapes of Kadarka, Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) and Kekoporto (Portugieser). For the white grapes there are Ezerjo, Furmint, Harslevelu, Irsai Oliver and Olasz Riesling (Welchriesling).

Romania

The Romanian region with the finest reputation is Cotnari in the north east. Here, botrytis-affected sweet white wines from the local Grasa, Francusa, Feteasca Alba and Tamaioasa grapes are produced. Elsewhere, wines destined for export tend to be produced from international varieties such as Chardonnay ,

Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir .

Bulgaria

Of all the East European wine-producing countries, Bulgaria has managed to be the most commercially successful. The reason for its success lies in the central planning of its vinification and viticulture. This resulted in mass-plantings of varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay. Many local grape varieties have also been planted, including the black grapes of Gamza, Mavrud and Melnik and the white Misket and Dimiat. The Georgian-originating white grape, Rkatsiteli, is also common.