TE WĀ WINES | ’76 | Sauvignon Blanc | 2021
sauvignon blanc

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Today we are going to review a single varietal sauvignon blanc wine that comes from the famous Stefan-Voda region, located in the south of Moldova – ’76 | Sauvignon Blanc 2021 by Te Wā Wines. auvignon Blanc is a very old grape variety that usually makes crisp, dry, aromatic and herbaceous wines, that are popular all over the world. Sauvignon Blanc translates from french as ‘wild white‘, which is the very essence of this grape variety – the wilderness within. What makes it different from its peers, are those unique herbaceous flavors, reminiscent of green bell pepper, currant leaf, gooseberry and fresh cut grass – all these flavors come from aromatic compounds called pyrazines. Te Wā Wines (Te Wā means ‘time will tell‘ in Maori) is a wine project that has been initiated by two wine enthusiasts, whose aim was to create limited edition wines capable to deliver the very best of Moldova’s terroir. This particular wine is made of sauvignon blanc grapes that were sourced from old vines, planted in 1976, hence the inspiration for the wine name and label – ’76. But what makes this wine truly unique is that 60% of the wine has been aged in stainless steel tanks, where it spent 8 months in contact with the fine lees (sur lie ageing) in order to give it a creamy texture, while the remaining 40% of the wine has been aged for 8 months in second-fill, french oak barrels. 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 lime-green color
clarity: pastel greenish hues

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & herbaceous
fruit character: underripe & ripe

On the first nose, the wine displays a captivating array of aromas that delight the senses. The fruit character dances between the realms of underripe and ripe, creating a harmonious balance. The foreground offers a refreshing medley of green fruits and citrus, with distinct notes of gooseberry, lime, green pear, green apricot and green grapefruit. As the bouquet unfolds, herbaceous nuances with subtle meadow hints emerge, evoking notes of nettle, rhubarb, currant leaf, fresh cut grass and whispers of wild flowers. This symphony of fragrances creates an alluring invitation to explore the wine’s vibrant personality and promises a palate that mirrors its aromatic finesse.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers an intriguing interplay of flavors and textures that captivate the discerning palate. The fruit character showcases a delicate balance between underripe and ripe character, revealing an array of green fruits and citrus that harmonize seamlessly. Crisp acidity enlivens the senses, while nuanced phenolic bitterness adds depth and complexity. A subtle touch of alcoholic warmth lends a comforting presence, enhancing the overall experience. The wine’s bitter-crisp aftertaste lingers, leaving a refreshing and memorable impression. The mouthfeel is green, slightly coarse and pleasantly bitter, showcasing the wine’s wild character and contributing to its distinctive appeal.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this wine wine presents itself as a green, crisp and zesty sauvignon blanc. Its aromatic profile showcases a captivating blend of green fruit and citrus, accompanied by nuanced herbaceous notes. While lacking a bit of elegance on the palate, this wine compensates with its fresh and youthful nature. Its wild and untamed character is further enhanced by a touch of pleasant bitterness that adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Overall, this wine embodies the essence of a low intervention sauvignon blanc, delivering a refreshing and invigorating experience, making it a perfect choice for those wine enthusiasts seeking for an authentic experience of a wild sauvignon blanc wine, like its name suggests.

//Scoring
TE WĀ WINES | ’76 | Sauvignon Blanc | 2021
variety: sauvignon blanc
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 93.0
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This is definitely a great wine of Moldova and with a total of 93.0 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 wild nature and its herbaceous-green character, we believe that this wine would pair lovely with a variety of culinary delights. To complement its herbaceous nature, consider pairing it with a classic goat cheese salad, adorned with fresh arugula and apple slices. The wine’s crisp acidity will harmonize with the creamy goat cheese, while its herbaceous and green aromatic profile will mirror the freshness of the salad. This pairing will create a delightful interplay of flavors and textures, showcasing the wine’s wild personality and enhancing the overall dining experience. 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.