Jidvei – Clasic Fetească Regală 2024

Wine Reviews

Feb 26

Jidvei is one of Romania’s largest and most respected wine producers, based in the historic wine region of Transylvania. The estate manages over 2,500 hectares of vineyards and has a long tradition of crafting wines that showcase native Romanian varieties like Fetească Regală, as well as international grapes. Their Clasic range focuses on approachable, food-friendly wines that express varietal character with clarity and freshness.

Fetească Regală? This elegant white grape is one of Romania’s native varietals — semi-aromatic, vibrant, and incredibly refreshing — and the 2024 Jidvei Clasic is a great example of how well it works at the table. What really sold me on this bottle was how naturally it paired with food: the fresh acidity and subtle phenolic grip made it shine with light cheeses, fresh salads and seafood, but also with more traditional dishes.

On the nose, the 2024 Jidvei Clasic Fetească Regală shows ripe aromas of yellow apple and white melon, lifted by wild flowers, citrus zest and a hint of alpine-like herbs. On the palate, the wine delivers lively, zesty acidity with a subtle, elegant phenolic grip that gives structure and a distinct character, making it vibrant and refreshing without being simple. The finish is crisp and clean, with a touch of savory freshness that keeps the wine light yet expressive.

One of my favourite local pairings is mountain trout baked in wild thyme and butter, served with boiled potatoes and parsley, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness and lifts the herbal notes. And yes — it also works beautifully with sarmale (traditional cabbage rolls), where the freshness and slight grip help balance the richness and the tangy cabbage without overpowering the dish.

This is the kind of white wine that doesn’t just taste good on its own — it actually makes food better, whether you’re keeping things light or going full traditional.

Available with private imports in the province of Québec : www.dionis.ca