Jidvei Traditional Chardonnay demidulce 2022 (Romania): an off-dry tradition for a bitter past

The 70s in the Socialist Republic of Romania were a time of contrasts, dominated by the figure of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Overall, from the 1950s to the 1970s, the country experienced high economic growth and significant improvements in infant mortality and life expectancy.

However, Ceaușescu imposed a series of restrictive policies, such as banning Western music, austerity policies that limited access to electricity, heat, water and food, censorship of information and literature and much more. Good time to forget, good time to break away and drink. In short, it was time to release a new range of wines that would help Romanians cope with a difficult existence. In this context, the 'traditional' range was born (1975) in Jidvei wineries.

Golden yellow color typical of Romanian off-dries. On the nose, which unlocks at 12º C, it shows shy notes of lychee and roses on a light background of TCA (cork defect). An entry in mouth with a slight sweetness, those residual sugars very well integrated. Very flat development, without any volume, a shame. However it has a nice, light and feminine mouthfeel. There is no varietal mark for Chardonnay, it could be any other white variety. Shy bitterness. Warm finish (12% vol) and very taken by SO2...

A mediocre Romanian white, priced at 4.50 euros. Other Jidvei wines have been discussed in this blog: Jidvei Clasic Fetească Regală sec: the heart of the Carpathians guards a native variety, Jidvei Traditional Riesling sec: Târnave DOC is cold, humid, altitude and interesting whites, Jidvei Tezaur sec Sauvignon Fetească: Târnave's high altitude whites are an accessible treasure, Jidvei Grigorescu dry Muscat demisec: the tribute to a unique artist who deserves toasts and Jidvei Grigorescu Gewürztraminer demisec: a perfumed white to contemplate good art.