Best Romanian Alcoholic Beverage Types
Fetească Neagră, which translates as black maiden, is a thin-skinned red grape variety whose origins are believed to be in the historical region of Moldavia, but the grape is nowadays mainly cultivated in Romania. Fetească is one of the most widespread grapes in Romania, and though in the past it was often used in the production of sweet styles, nowadays it is mostly used for dry varietal wines.
Depending on the region, dry Fetească Neagră wines can slightly differ in character, but they typically have moderate acidity and are usually not too overpowering or tannic. Typical aromas and flavors include dark fruits such as blackberries or plums, while oak-aged varieties tend to have spicy and toasty nuances.
Fetească Regală is a native Romanian white grape variety that first appeared in the 1920s in Transylvania. For a long time, it was believed that Regală was a hybrid between Koverszolo (Grasa de Cotnari) and Fetească Alba, but recent findings show no specific parent-offspring relationship.
During the communist regime, the grape was especially favored because it was suitable for mass production. Nowadays, Regală is used for dry and sparkling wines, and it is the most planted grape in Romania. The best expressions of dry Regală are fresh and aromatic with typical aromas of white fruit, roses, and white flowers.
Fetească Alba (White Maiden) is a Romanian white grape variety that is closely related to Fetească Regală variety and the red-skinned Fetească Neagră. It is cultivated in various Romanian regions as well as Moldova and Hungary—though it was often mistaken with Hungarian Leanyka variety.
Fetească Alba is mostly used in dry varietal wines, but some blends, sparkling and sweet styles may be available on the market. Dry varietal wines are typically fragrant with medium acidity and citrus and floral aromas, which may be accompanied by nuances of stone fruit such as peach or apricots.
THE BEST Fetească Alba Wine Varieties
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Vișinată is a Romanian version of sour cherry liqueur. Often prepared as a homemade specialty, the drink is made by macerating sour cherries and sugar in neutral alcohol. The combination is left to infuse for several weeks or months until the macerate attains cherry flavors and appealing red color.
There are no set recipes for vișinată, and most families have their traditional techniques. The final flavor largely depends on the recipe, choice of base spirit, and the quality and ripeness of cherries. When the macerate is ready, the liquid is filtered, while alcohol-soaked cherries can be used in desserts.
Țuică is a traditional plum brandy. Often dubbed as Romanian moonshine, this potent spirit is produced from fermented plums, and it is traditionally once or twice distilled in copper stills. Țuică is a clear and colorless spirit with an alcohol content that can range from 20 to 60 percent ABV.
After it is distilled, it can be aged in wood. During maturation, it becomes mellow and attains light caramel color. Țuică is the most popular Romanian liquor, and it is traditionally served as an aperitif or a welcome drink. It is a staple on every special occasion, and it is usually served neat in shot glasses.
Best Romanian Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Jidvei is the largest wine producer in Romania, located in the Târnave region of Transylvania, an area renowned for its winemaking tradition. With vineyards spanning over 2,500 hectares, Jidvei produces a wide range of high-quality wines, including still, sparkling, and semi-sparkling wines, as well as vinars, a brandy distilled exclusively from wine.
The company operates four state-of-the-art wineries in Jidvei, Tăuni, Blaj, and Bălcaciu, with a storage capacity exceeding 35 million liters. Known for its commitment to quality, Jidvei uses modern technology while preserving traditional winemaking techniques.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
BEST Jidvei Spirits
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023
BEST SC Cramele Recas Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023, 2021
BEST Domeniile Alexandrion Rhein 1892 Wines
AWARDS

World's Best Colour-Changing Gin - Winner
2024
BEST Cezana SRL Spirits
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
BEST Viticola Corcova SRL Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
BEST S.C. Via Viticola SRL Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
BEST Crama La Salina Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
BEST Unicom Production Wines
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
BEST Sc Provitis Serv Srl Wines
Best Romanian Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2019
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2020
AWARDS

The Liqueur Masters - Master
2023
AWARDS

The Luxury Masters - Master
2023
AWARDS

The Vodka Masters - Master
2022
AWARDS

Vivino - 4.7
AWARDS

World's Best Colour-Changing Gin - Winner
2024
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2024

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