In the Western part of Romania, there are Crişana Hills and Zărand Hills that divide the geographical indications (GI) with DOCs (Controlled Designated Origin), such as Crişana and Miniş. Situated at the cross border with Hungary Crisana vinicultural area had many small family wine cellars with a medium size wine production such are: Anca Wine Cellar and Rittner Vinarium and on the Zalau area: Crateslec Wine Cellar and Silvania Wine Cellar.
The Rittner Wine Cellar from Diosig represents the first conversion plant in Bihor County. The owner, Rittner Tibor has over 15 years of experience concerning the vinicultural domain, he is a member of the European Order of Wine Knights, Ierului Valley area. With a master degree in oenology, from University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Iasi, Rittner Tibor obtained several times the title of “the winemaker of the year” in Bihor County but also numerous national and international awards.
Diosig village is considered the capital of the wine from Jerului Valley. Here during the Austro-Hungarian Empire was established the first vinicultural school in 1870 that functioned until 1965 when it was moved to Şimleul Silvaniei but here the oldest wine cellars date back to the 13th century. This area of Jerului Valley became famous thanks to the Bakator wine, made known worldwide by Count Zichy, a much appreciated wine of the Royal House of Habsburg, considered a desert-wine, due to its sweet taste. Count Zichy's Castle houses a small museum and a wine test laboratory and it has recently been rehabilitated with European funds.
Sunny hills and fertile soils that produce quality grapes tell the story of a time and a space where people revive the tradition of the land by producing exceptional wine from varieties entered into oblivion during communism. The wine continues the medieval tale of knights through the European Order of Wine Knights, which has found its representatives at Diosig Village, their belief is: “just after you defeat envy and get involved with others, you will be a true friend knight”. The Wine Knights Order is an association that aims to celebrate and promote the noble wine, wine culture, and scientific research related to wine culture as part of the European cultural heritage.
Foto credit:
http://www.bihon.ro/rittner-tibor-vinificatorul-bihorului-2013/1294652
Alina Mafa
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