JIDVEI | Traminer Roz | 2018
gewurztraminer
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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 winery has a commitment towards creating memorable wines by blending tradition with innovation.
Today we are going to review a mesmerizing dessert wine from the cool Târnave-Jidvei region in the heart of Transylvania – Traminer Roz 2018 by Jidvei. This particular wine is crafted from traminer roz grapes (one of multiple names of the gewürztraminer grape variety), which is celebrated for its exotic aromas and flavors. What makes this particular wine really special, is the fact that the grapes were affected by noble rot (also known as botrytis cinerea) – a fungus that shrivels and dehydrate the wine grapes, thus concentrating acids and sugars, which in turn intensifies the sweetness level of the wine, thus adding more flavor complexity due to higher levels of phenylacetaldehyde (a special aroma compound found mostly in botrytis affected berries), creating some of the most delicious sweet wines in the world. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Târnave-Jidvei wine region, where the vineyards are planted on clay and limestone-rich soils.
Gewürztraminer (this is the de-facto name of the traminer grape variety, which has many other aliases) competes with sauvignon blanc for the title of ‘the beginner’s grape’ – the one that is easiest for a wine enthusiast to recognize in a blind tasting. If with sauvignon blanc it’s all about that unforgettable smell of pyrazines and an almost total absence of color, then with gewürztraminer it’s about the other unforgettable smell – that of rose petals and one of the deepest colors of any white wine. This grape variety usually has high alcohol content, pronounced striking aromatics and low natural acidity. It ripens so fast that it needs to be planted somewhere relatively cool in order to develop any discernible perfume, which virtually excludes all the world’s warm climates and makes it compete with chardonnay for plantation spots in the coolest of climates – a competition where traminer is, in most cases, coming up as a runner-up rather than a winner.
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, combined with moderate to cool continental climate, influenced by the nearby Carpathian Mountains, offer almost ideal conditions for grape growing, especially well suited for white grape varieties. The microclimate of the Târnave Valley, allows for a relatively-long ripening season, essential for the development of complex aromatic compounds in the grape berries. The significant diurnal temperature variation between day and night temperature preserves the high natural acidity of the grapes, resulting in fresh and vibrant wines with good aging potential.
color: deep yellow color
clarity: bright yellow hues
In the glass, the wine presents a deep yellow color, with bright yellow shades at the rim.
intensity: pronounced & floral
fruit character: ripe & overripe
On the first nose, this wine offers pronounced aromas reminiscent of jam and honey, with notes of quince jam and dried quince, white cherry jam, walnut jam, dried apricots, and honeycomb, complemented by a whisper of overly sweet notes like dried figs and candied apricots.
sweetness: sweet | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: none | balance: good
finish: medium- | aftertaste: crisp & sweet
On the palate, this wine feels rich yet crisp, with a pronounced residual sweetness that is matched beautifully by the wine’s crisp acidity. The mouthfeel is lush and creamy, exhibiting ripe tropical flavors intertwined with nuanced notes of jam and honey. With well integrated alcohol content, this is a delightful companion that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.
maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 2 to 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality
Overall, the wine offers a perfect balance of sumptuous flavors, yet its impressive acidity hints at further aging potential. For those interested in exploring how this wine will evolve, it is optimal to enjoy it now or within the next two to three years.
This dessert wine is not just delightful to be enjoyed standalone – it pairs amazingly well with soft and scented cheeses, like those with noble molds, spicy asian cuisine, and traditional desserts like Baklava.
JIDVEI | Traminer Roz | 2018
variety: gewurztraminer
country: Romania | Transilvania
region: Jidvei | Tarnave-Jidvei
rating: 93.9
© 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!
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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