Cotnari

Cotnari is a Romanian winery in the historic Cotnari vineyard area of northeastern Romania, known for wines from native grapes. Most bottles run 11.5% to 13% ABV. The Liquor Barn lists seven Cotnari wines in 750ml, including Grasa de Cotnari, Feteasca Alba, Francusa, Dealul Catalina, Casa de Piatra 2011, Cotnari XL 2011 and the red Feteasca Neagra.

Cotnari is mostly a white wine house. Grasa de Cotnari is the famous one, a botrytis-influenced sweet white. Feteasca Alba is medium-sweet and aromatic, Francusa is dry and crisp, and Dealul Catalina is off-dry, blended from Feteasca Alba, Tamaioasa and Francusa. Casa de Piatra 2011 and Cotnari XL 2011 are older semi-dry blends of native grapes. For a red, Feteasca Neagra is Romania's signature black grape. Pick Francusa for dry, Feteasca Alba or Dealul Catalina for a touch of sweetness, and Grasa with dessert or blue cheese.