TECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF ANCESTRAL ROMANIAN GRAPEVINE VARIETIES AND PROSPECTS FOR THEIR REINTRODUCTION INTO CULTIVATION

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation of the technological potential of old indigenous grapevine varieties, in the context of wine market globalization and climate change. Conducted between 2020-2024 in the Valea Călugărească viticultural center (Dealu Mare vineyard), the study focused on five traditional varieties: Bășicată, Gordin, Gordin gurguiat, Negru vîrtos and Vulpea. The results were compared with historical data from 1945 – 1956, when these varieties produced low-alcohol, low-acidity wines with limited character. The impact of climatic conditions during the analyzed period, marked by high heliothermal values and water stress, led to increased sugar levels in grapes. Based on the findings, two white wine varieties (Gordin and Gordin gurguiat) and one red wine variety (Negru vîrtos) were identified as having high-performance grape quality characteristics.