TE WĀ WINES | Blanc de Blancs | Brut | Vintage 2021
chardonnay | feteasca alba

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Today we are going to review a sparkling wine that we were eager to try since its market release – Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage 2021 by Te Wā Wines. This wine is made of chardonnay and feteasca alba grapes, which is a sparkling wine style that is called ‘Blanc de Blancs‘, that translates as ‘white from whites‘, meaning that it is made entirely of white grape varieties. The wine is produced using the authentic méthode traditionelle technique, the same way the famous french Champagne is made, with second fermentation in the bottle, after which, the wine has been aged for 8 months on fine lees (sur lie ageing) which allowed it to develop extra complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate. But enough theory, that said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to the tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: bright topaz-yellow hues

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & fruity
fruit character: ripe

This sparkling wine immediately entices the nose with a burst of ripe yellow fruit aromas. Juicy apple, apricot and mirabelle take center stage, intertwined with delicate hints of marzipan and orange peel that add a touch of intrigue. As the wine opens up, a refreshing citrusy notes emerges in the background, like lemon and grapefruit, complemented by very subtle yeasty-leesy hints and some floral undertones.

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

The palate mirrors the nose, offering a rich and expressive explosion of ripe to overripe fruit flavors. Juicy peach and apricot mingle with hints of citrus and delicate floral notes, creating a vibrant and inviting mouthfeel. The wine’s lively acidity cuts through the residual sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast, while a touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth. The finish lingers with a touch of sweetness, tipping the scale towards a slightly off-dry sparkling style.

//Verdict
maturity: developing  | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a wine that lacks elegance and finesse

All in all, this a crowd-pleaser of a wine, with its abundance of ripe fruit character. While the acidity offers a refreshing counterpoint to the residual sweetness, the balance leans slightly towards a sweeter style. The mouthfeel is ripe and round, but lacks a touch of complexity that those lingering yeasty notes might have provided. This wine is perfect for those who enjoy a fruit-forward and easy-drinking style, but those seeking a more structured and elegant sparkling wine might find it a touch too simple.

//Scoring
TE WĀ WINES | Blanc de Blancs | Brut | Vintage 2021
variety: chardonnay | feteasca alba
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 91.9
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This is definitely a nice wine of Moldova and with a total of 91.9 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: Considering the pronounced fruit-forward profile of this sparkling wine, we believe it would pair lovely lighter appetizers like for example goat cheese caprese skewers or a creamy brie. The residual sweetness in the wine would also pair well with slightly spicy dishes, where the acidity would help cut through the heat. For a dessert pairing, consider fruit tarts or even a slice of birthday cake, as the the sweetness in the wine would mirror nicely the sweetness of the dessert without being cloying. 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.