📍 Târnave

Târnave is a wine zone in central Romania, on the Transylvanian Plateau, in the valleys of two rivers, the Târnava Mare and the Târnava Mică. It is part of the Transylvanian Plateau. Vineyards lie on hills of 200 to 500 metres, on south-facing slopes. The climate is cool and continental, so wines are fresh and aromatic.

The main grapes are white: Fetească Regală (very characteristic of Romania), as well as Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc and Traminer. Wines are usually dry or off-dry, light, with high acidity. The cool climate also suits sparkling wine, which the zone makes by the traditional method.

The area is known for the Jidvei estate, one of the largest in Romania. Târnave wines pair well with fish, poultry and cheese.

Târnave is one of the best examples of Romanian white wine. Historic towns of Transylvania lie nearby. Dealu Mare, Romania's main red zone, lies not far away, but Târnave remains territory for whites and sparkling wine. Fetească Regală goes well with fish, poultry, soft cheese and appetisers. Târnave whites are best drunk young, within two or three years of harvest.