PETRO VASELO | Maletine | 2022
chardonnay

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Today we are going to review a single varietal and single vineyard chardonnay wine from the relatively cool, Recas vineyards of the Banat wine region – Maletine 2022 by Petro Vaselo. Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grape varieties, regarded by many as the ‘Queen of Whites‘ and it is prized for its flexibility and for the ability to produce top-notch wines in a wide range of climates and terroirs. Stylistically, there are two main types of chardonnay wines: on one hand we have the classic, creamy and rich, oak-aged style, that is backed up by winemakers in Napa Valley and most of the Grand Cru in Bourgogne, whereas on the other hand there’s the crisp, zingy and citrusy, unoaked style, that is mainly promoted by the new-world producers and most of the winemakers in the Chablis region. This particular wine is from the first category: a chardonnay wine that has been fermented only with native yeasts (also called ‘wild yeasts‘) and aged for 6 months in oak barriques, which means that the wine went through the malolactic conversion – a process where the crisp, malic acid in the wine is converted into a more softer, lactic acid, thus the wine becomes less tart and more silky, gaining structure and finesse, rounding up its palate. Afterwards, the wine has spent another 3 months in the bottle before being released on the market. But enough theory, that said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-pale straw-yellow color
clarity: pale lemon hues at the rim of the glass

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & mineral
fruit character: ripe

This wine’s nose opens with a captivating and inviting bouquet. Leading the charge are vibrant aromas of ripe yellow fruits, reminiscent of sour apples and yellow pears, with hints of zesty citrus, like grapefruit and lemon, adding a touch of brightness and complexity to the wine’s aromatic profile. In the background, as the bouquet unfolds, a touch of minerality emerges, hinting at crushed chalk or flint. Underneath these layers some whisper of oak can be detected, adding a touch of sophistication.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: crisp

The palate mirrors the nose with a focus on ripe, yellow fruit flavors. A delightful interplay of asian pear and yellow mirabelle mingles with hints of zesty citrus, creating a luscious and inviting first impression. However, the acidity falls a bit flat, failing to provide the expected liveliness, while a touch of alcoholic warmth disrupts the balance further, leaving a lingering impression of heat on the crisp and slightly hot finish. The body feels surprisingly lean, yet possesses an unexpected oiliness that contributes to a rich and opulent mouthfeel.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within the next 2 years
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

All in all this is a quite simple and one-dimensional chardonnay wine that presents itself in a fair and easy-drinking way. While the initial aromas are inviting, the lack of structure and intensity on the palate leave it feeling somewhat flat and wide. For those who enjoy a creamy chardonnay wine with a touch of oak, this one might be very appealing, however for those wine enthusiasts seeking for a more lively and complex wine, this one here might not be the best choice.

//Scoring
PETRO VASELO | Maletine | 2022
variety: chardonnay
country: Romania
region: Banat | Recas
rating: 91.3
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This is definitely a nice wine of Romania and with a total of 91.3 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s opulent mouthfeel, creamy character and subdued acidity, we believe it would be a suitable match for creamy pasta dishes or richer poultry recipes, like for example chicken Alfredo pasta. The creaminess of the Alfredo sauce would complement the wine’s smooth texture, while the ripe fruit flavors in the wine would echo the subtle sweetness of the dish. Additionally, the wine’s flat acidity wouldn’t clash with the richness of the sauce, creating a harmonious interplay of flavours and textures. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.