FÁUTOR | Illustro | Grande Reserva | 2020
chardonnay | feteasca regala | sauvignon blanc | riesling

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Today we are going to review a quite intriguing wine blend from the Valul lui Traian region of Moldova – Illustro Grande Reserva 2020 by Fáutor Winery. This is the winemaker’s flagship white wine – a blend of four grape varieties: chardonnay, feteasca regala, sauvignon blanc and riesling, where chardonnay forms the wine’s main body and structure, feteasca regala brings floral notes to the foreground, sauvignon blanc brings refreshing natural acidity, thus building a more dynamic mid-palate, while riesling adds up-front richness and the much desired freshness on the finish. In order to gain more texture on the palate and add even more complexity to the final blend, this wine has been aged for 6 months in french oak barrels and produced in a limited edition of only 6315 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: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: bright pastel-yellow hues

//Olfactory
intensity: powerful & elegant
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine displays a captivating fruit character. Its ripe fruit character is formed by a delightful foreground of green fruits and citrus. The wine reveals distinct notes of asian pear, lemon, white apple, white apricot and white peach, providing a refreshing and zesty sensation. As the aromas unfold, hints of lemon curd and lemon zest emerge gracefully in the glass. The wine’s background showcases a nuanced herbal and floral accent, with notes of wheat, hay, honeysuckle, lemongrass, straw grass and oolong tea. These aromas are enhanced by a subtle presence oak-derived hints, that are complemented by whispers of vanilla and honeycomb.

//Palate
sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: pleasantly-seedy

The palate of this wine beautifully mirrors its enticing olfactory profile. Bursting with ripe fruit character, it showcases a harmonious blend of yellow fruits, stone fruits and citrus. The wine’s mouth-watering acidity provides a refreshing liveliness, while a firm touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and complexity, leading to a pleasantly-seedy aftertaste. The wine’s palate feels firm, ripe and ample, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that further enhanced its overall appeal. This white is an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a pleasurable and well-rounded experience that a white Bordeaux-blend can deliver.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 2 years
verdict: great | a must try wine

In conclusion, this wine truly impresses with its amazing structure and firm character. The combination of ripe fruit flavors, refreshing acidity and delicate nuances of the oak, creates a rich and ample profile. The wine’s complexity is evident in its neat integration of oak-derived flavors, adding an extra layer of depth, without overpowering the overall blending balance. It is a wine that seamlessly combines power with finesse, showcasing both strength and elegance in perfect harmony. This is a wine that will be a remarkable choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded and complex tasting experience.

//Scoring
FÁUTOR | Illustro | Grande Reserva | 2020
variety: feteasca regala | chardonnay | sauvignon blanc | riesling
country: Moldova
region: Valul lui Traian
rating: 94.4
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This is definitely a great wine of Moldova and with a total of 94.4 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 ripe character, we would recommend pairing it with a dish capable to highlight its expressive nature. The wine’s lively acidity and ample structure make it an excellent choice for seafood dishes such as grilled lemon-infused scallops or seared halibut with a citrus glaze. The ripe yellow fruits and stone fruits notes in the wine will harmonize beautifully with the delicate flavors of the seafood, while the oak-derived hints of sun-dried oakwood and vanilla will provide an extra layer of complexity. The wine’s firm and rich palate will stand up to the bold flavors of the dish, creating a well-balanced dining experience. This pairing will ensure that the wine’s elegance is preserved, thus elevating both, the dish and the wine to new heights of culinary enjoyment. Enjoy!

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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.