Sarica Niculiţel

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Dominant soils are of the cernoziom type with an alkaline pH of 8.0–8.2 and moderate calcium carbonate content, formed on thick Quaternary loess deposits of 15–20 m.
• The parent rock is loess deposited during the Quaternary (Pleistocene), imparting permeability, porosity, and a medium loamy-sandy texture to the soil.
• The geological basement comprises pre-Hercynian crystalline rocks, igneous rocks (granites and basalts), and sedimentary rocks — the Munții Măcin being the oldest Hercynian mountain chain in Europe.
• An excessively continental climate with low rainfall (~440 mm/year) and hot summers, tempered by the proximity of the Danube, the Danube Delta, and the forests to the south.
• The vineyards are situated between 50 and 200 m altitude, forming natural amphitheatres open toward the Danube; a predominantly northerly aspect limits the effects of extreme summer heat.

• Viticulture predates Roman colonisation; local populations benefited from trade with Greek city-states and from the presence of Roman military camps (2nd century AD).
• In 1760–1770, Polish merchants were purchasing wine transported along the Danube; by 1903 the area encompassed 5,800 ha and produced 305,000 hl, ranking second in the country.

• White wines from the Măcin wine-growing centre are distinguished by their freshness and relatively low acidity, making them light, early-drinking wines.
• Aligoté from Sarica Niculițel produces dry wines with good acidity and a distinctive aromatic character, recommended for consumption within the first six months after production.

• The loess-based soil with its alkaline reaction (pH 8.0–8.2) and calcium carbonate content imparts a sugar–acidity balance to the wines that is well suited to fruity musts.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• National product specification (PDF) — onvpv
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-RO-A1575
• Official trade body site — Oficiul Național al Viei și Produselor Vitivinicole (ONVPV) — DOC Sarica Niculiţel