Transylvanian Wines
The importance of the Transylvanian wine-growing region is not given by the actual extent of the vineyards, which barely reach 14,000 hectares, but by the quality of the wines produced here, with particular noble and unique features, as well as by the enormous potential of the area for viticultural expansion. Vine growing is favored in these regions by a relief that seems to be specially destined for such purpose, consisting of endless hill slopes waiting to be covered with vineyards.
Not long before, each Transylvanian settlement had its own vineyards, perched even on steep slopes, with beautifully aligned rows flowing from top to bottom. From the yard of his parents’ house in Lancram, the eyes of the child Lucian Blaga have been drawn by the “vine slope” on the eastern edge of the village. Most of these plantations disappeared due to the collectivization, because – as they were located and planted – only the vineyards’ owners could harvest them. Will such garden-vines ever reappear around villages? Will they ever reanimate the Transylvanian landscape? Let us hope so! It would be a shame if it were no longer possible.
Five major vineyards are outlined on the current (and on the old) viticultural map of Transylvania. The Tarnave vineyard classifies at the top of the list, with its wine-growing centers at Blaj, Jidvei, Medias, Tarnaveni, Zagar and Valea Nirajului. Its neighbor by location and similar by fame – is the Alba vineyard, dividing its vines between the Alba-Iulia and Ighiu viticultural centers; a little to the south there is the Sebes-Apold vineyard, while the Aiud one spreads to the north. Finally, located high up on the map, there is the ancient Lechinta vineyard, with its famous viticultural centers at Lechinta, Teaca, Bistrita and Batos.
The Transylvanian vines are by no means widespread, yet the wines obtained here – well known and highly appreciated – have turned into products largely required for export and on the domestic market. Is there anyone who hasn’t experienced the Blaj and Jidvei wines or the Alba-Iulia and Apold sparkling wines? Is there anyone left who hasn’t been thrilled by their outstanding qualities?
We are on a quest for these wines, treading with excitement on the way of Transylvanian vines. We shall depart from the center of the region, from the Tarnave vineyard; we shall pass through the Alba and Aiud vineyards and end our journey up in the north, in the Lechinta vineyard. Of course, this is not an exhaustive quest, but it is enough to get a glimpse of the viticulture in this area and of the quality of its wines.
TRANSILVANIA
|
| Vineyard |
Viticultural centre |
County |
Varieties |
| Recommended |
Authorised |
TARNAVE |
Blaj |
Alba |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Sauvignon
Traminer roz |
Neuburger
Riesling italian
|
Jidvei |
Alba |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Traminer roz |
Neuburger
Riesling italian
Sauvignon
|
Medias |
Mures |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Traminer roz |
Neuburger
Riesling italian
Sauvignon
|
Tarnaveni |
Mures |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Traminer roz |
Riesling italian
Sauvignon |
Zagar |
Mures |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Traminer roz |
Riesling italian
Sauvignon
|
Valea Nirajului |
Mures |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Pinot gris |
Muscat Ottonel
Riesling italian |
ALBA |
Alba Iulia |
Alba |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Sauvignon
Traminer roz |
Feteasca regala
Riesling italian
|
Ighiu |
Alba |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Sauvignon
Traminer roz |
Feteasca regala
Riesling italian
|
SEBES - APOLD |
Sebes |
Alba |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Sauvignon |
Riesling italian
Traminer roz
|
Apold |
Sibiu |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Sauvignon |
Neuburger
Riesling italian
Traminer roz
|
AIUD |
Aiud |
Alba |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Traminer roz
Sauvignon |
Feteasca regala
Neuburger
Riesling italian
Riesling de Rin |
Turda |
Cluj |
Feteasca alba
Pinot gris
Traminer roz
Sauvignon |
Feteasca regala Muscat Ottonel
Riesling italian |
Triteni |
Cluj |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris
Traminer roz |
Feteasca regala Riesling italian |
LECHINTA |
Lechinta |
Bistrita Nasaud |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris |
Feteasca regala
Neuburger
Riesling italian |
Teaca |
Bistrita Nasaud |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris |
Feteasca regala
Neuburger
Riesling italian |
Bistrita |
Bistrita Nasaud |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris |
Feteasca regala
Riesling italian Sauvignon |
Batos |
Mures |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot gris |
Feteasca regala
Riesling italian |
- |
Geoagiu |
Hunedoara |
Feteasca alba |
Feteasca alba
Muscat Ottonel |
- |
Dej |
Cluj |
Feteasca alba
Feteasca regala |
Muscat Ottonel |
|
|
|