The Tasting Panel magazine

November 2017

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november 2017  /  the tasting panel  /  91 wine. At Jidvei, sparkling wines have been made by the traditional method since 1952 at the Cetatea de Balta Castle (now used for tastings and private events) before they're cellared in an old Saxon village nearby. Jidvei produces a range of sparkling whites and rosés ranging from extra brut to medium dry; all share the same refreshing acidity, which is complemented by the delicate aromas of Pinot Noir and Feteasca Regala and rounded by the buttery Chardonnay and the bready character given by bottle fermentation. Jidvei's wines are all about terroir, but they're also the culmination of hundreds of years of tradition and the passion of the people involved. From the workers in the vineyard to the cel- lar master who speaks about the wines as if they were his children, all work together to deliver outstanding wines year after year. In 2007 Romania became a member of the European Union, providing this economically-isolated region with funding to invest in vineyards and the expansion and rebuilding of a state-of-the-art winery. Romania in Action We spoke with Ioana Benga, Export Director at Jidvei Winery, about her favorite Jidvei wines hitting the U.S. market. ANA Chardonnay 2016 "The most refreshing Chardonnay ever tasted!" is almost always the reaction when sommeliers taste this wine. It does not look like the classic Chardonnay (because of the heavy dark Bordeaux bottle), and does not taste like one: high acidity, tropical fruit, and a little citrusy, this is a sommelier's dream for pairing. After one to two years in the bottle, it develops a slightly nutty note that comple- ments its freshness. MARIA Pinot Gris 2016 This is not your average neutral Pinot Gris. It is a symphony of aromatics including quince and lemongrass. The under- current of minerality keeps it fresh and dry with a high acidity and slightly spicy finish. It is an elegant wine that stands out in any blind tasting for its balance, its continuously developing character, and its complexity. Treasure of Transylvania Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Although it says "medium dry" on the label, this is one surprising statement. With its residual sugar balanced by a 7.2 g/L acidity, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of cool-climate and warm-climate grapes to obtain both the higher acidity of the subtle citrus and grassy notes, as well as aromas of passionfruit and peach. Jidvei Brut Sparkling Wine A blend of Feteasca Regala (an indigenous Romanian variety), Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir (vinified as white), this traditional-method sparkling wine has discreet aromas of wildflowers and green apple comple- mented by notes of fine herbs and pastry. Its freshness makes it the perfect apéritif, but also a great companion for seafood dishes and salty foods.

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