JIDVEI | Owner’s Choice | Ana | Chardonnay | 2022
chardonnay

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Nestled in the picturesque Târnave Valley of Romania, Jidvei Winery has been crafting exceptional wines that celebrate the region’s unique heritage for decades. The “Owner’s Choice” range is named after the owner’s daughters, Ana and Maria, and is a homage to family values and local traditions.
Today we are going to review a single varietal chardonnay wine from the cool Jidvei region in the heart of Transylvania, Romania – Owner’s Choice Ana Chardonnay 2022 by Jidvei. Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grape varieties, regarded by many as the ‘Queen of Whites‘ and it is prized for its flexibility and for the ability to produce top-notch wines in a wide range of climates and terroirs. Stylistically, there are two main types of chardonnay wines: on one hand we have the classic, creamy and rich, oak-aged style, that is backed up by winemakers in Napa Valley and most of the Grand Cru in Bourgogne, whereas on the other hand there’s the crisp, zingy and citrusy, unoaked style, that is mainly promoted by the new-world producers and most of the winemakers in the Chablis region.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the south-exposed slopes of the Târnave Valley vineyards, which are part of the Jidvei DOC. This wine is part of the Owner’s Choice range, named after the two of his daughters: Ana & Maria. This is the winery’s flagship line, made only of carefully selected wines through an internal procedure of blind tasting. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the chardonnay grapes and at the same to develop a creamy texture on the mouthfeel and gain extra sophistication on the aromatic profile, the wine has been aged for 5 months in contact with the fine lees (the dead yeast cells that are left over from the fermentation process), followed by a short period spent in oak barrels.

Hailing from Jidvei DOC, this wine benefits from the region’s unique terroir characterized by a mix of clay, limestone, and mineral-rich soils. These fertile grounds offer the ideal conditions for the white grape varieties to flourish, bestowing them with a distinctive fruitfulness that shines through in the final wine. The climate of the Târnave Valley, marked by relatively warm days and cool nights, further enhances the grape’s acidity and aromatic complexity, thus delivering the much-desired freshness to the final wine.

color: pale | pastel-yellow color
clarity: clear | yellowish hues at the rim

The wine exhibits a pale, pastel yellow hue that invites curiosity. Its shimmering clarity and vibrant coloring offer a visual prelude to the refreshing tasting experience that follows.

intensity: rich & citrusy
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine is immediately engaging, overflowing with rich, citrusy notes complemented by a ripe fruit character. Upon swirling the glass, one can detect the aromatic allure of fresh lemon zest, vibrant pomelo, and enticing green apricot, all cocooned by subtle buttery undertones from the light oak aging. This complex bouquet tantalizes the senses and sets the stage for the palate.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: appealingly-crisp

On the palate, the wine reveals a round and ample mouthfeel, embodying a voluptuous texture. The dry, bright acidity slices through the richness of the fruit, providing a perfect counterbalance that enhances the wine’s overall mouthfeel. The finish is medium-plus in length, leaving a lingering impression of ripe fruit and a refreshing zest that invites further exploration.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or in within the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

Overall, this is a wine that stands as a very good representation of the chardonnay grape, showcasing excellent varietal typicity. It is best enjoyed today or within the next two years, as it is better to drink a Chardonnay a year to soon, than a day too late.

JIDVEI | Owner’s Choice | Ana | Chardonnay | 2022
variety: chardonnay
country: Romania | Transilvania
region: Jidvei | Tarnave-Jidvei
rating: 93.4

Taking into account its aromatic profile, this wine would pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Consider pairing it alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or creamy pastas, as the wine’s bright acidity would complement the richness of these dishes, making it a versatile choice for various culinary adventures. Enjoy!

This wine tells a story of familial values and traditions, as it pays tribute to the owner’s daughters, Ana & Maria, symbolizing the personal connection behind this flagship range. Jidvei Winery has approximately 2,500 hectares under vine, thus being one of the largest single-owner vineyards in Romania.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!