DOMENIILE SCUTELNIC | Feteasca Regala | 2021
feteasca regala

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Today we are going to review a single varietal feteasca regala wine that comes from a new winemaker – Valerian Scutelnic, who launched its wines last fall in Moldova – Feteasca Regala 2021 by Domeniile Scutelnic. Feteasca Regala (which translates from romanian as ‘royal maiden‘) is one of the most famous and sought after indigenous grape varieties in both, Romania and Moldova. It has been discovered near Sighisoara (Transylvania) in 1920 and is a grape variety that has been obtained by crossing of feteasca alba and grasa de cotnari indigenous grape varieties. It usually produces crisp, dry and very aromatic white wines, perfect for a warm summer eve, but when handled with utmost care by a skillful winemaker, feteasca regala can result in refreshingly elegant wines that can reach into realms of excellence. The grapes for this particular wine were sourced from the cool Codru wine region, and what makes this wine really special, is the fact that it has been aged for 3 months in acacia barrels in order to gain some extra complexity on the aromatic and flavour profile. Needless to mention that it has been produced in a very limited edition of only 800 bottles. 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: pale straw-white color
clarity: pastel yellow hues

//Olfactory
intensity: powerful & citrusy-floral
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine exudes an enticing citrusy-floral character, showcasing elegant notes of acacia flower, honeysuckle and lindenflower that dance gracefully, entwined with hints of elderflower, white lilac and white peonies. As the aromatic journey unfolds, a touch of bergamot and lime adds a refreshing zest, reminiscent of a summer breeze. Those vibrant citrusy-floral notes are complemented by hints of iris and lemon, lending a captivating twist to the wine’s bouquet. In the background, hints of lemon candy and peardrop are enhanced by appealing notes of green pear and green tea, adding extra complexity to the wine’s appeal.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: none | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: zesty

On the palate, the white wine unveils a delightful interplay of flavors that awaken the senses. Its crisp acidity dances gracefully, accompanied by the harmonious presence of both ripe and underripe fruit character, showcasing the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. The vibrant citrus fruits and elegant floral notes add a refreshing and invigorating touch to the overall taste profile. As the wine caresses the palate, a gentle warmth emerges, enhancing its depth and providing a subtle richness. The finish is crisp and zesty, leaving a lingering and memorable aftertaste. With its lean, supple and light nature, this wine offers a refreshing and enjoyable experience, perfect for those seeking an aromatic and lively white wine.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: fine | highly recommended

Overall, this feteasca regala wine offers a refreshingly crisp and zesty tasting experience, showcasing a lean and supple nature that truly captivates the palate. Its citrusy-floral aromatic profile exudes enticing flavours, though some wine enthusiasts may find it slightly too aromatic, lacking a touch of elegance and finesse on the palate. Nevertheless, this wine offers good feteasca regala varietal typicity, displaying an expressive and rich character – an enjoyable journey, tailored for those wine enthusiasts, seeking a white wine that embodies both, the essence of the feteasca regala grape variety and the footprint of its geographical origin.

//Scoring
DOMENIILE SCUTELNIC | Feteasca Regala | 2021
variety: feteasca regala
country: Moldova
region: Codru
rating: 91.7
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and with a total of 91.7 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 refreshing crispness, vibrant fruit character and supple nature, we would recommend pairing it with a summer-inspired seafood salad. The wine’s bright acidity and zesty aftertaste will complement the delicate flavors of fresh shrimp, scallops and crab, adding a lively touch to the dish, while the wine’s citrusy-floral notes will enhance the subtle sweetness of the seafood. In the same key, the crisp and lean structure of the wine’s palate will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and crisp textures of the dish. To complete the pairing, we would recommend to serve the salad with a side of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or dill. Cheers!

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