CRICOVA | Elogiu | Brut Natur | Limited Edition | #
chardonnay
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Today we are going to review a sparkling wine that we were eager to taste since its release this past autumn – Elogiu | Brut Natur by Cricova. This is a true crémant wine, made of 100% chardonnay grapes – a sparkling wine style that is called ‘Blanc de Blancs‘, which translates as ‘white from whites‘, meaning that it is made entirely of white grape varieties, mainly from chardonnay. This 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 the second fermentation in the bottle, the wine has been aged on fine lees (sur lie ageing) which allowed it to develop extra complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate. This wine is an homage (or an eulogy, as the wine name suggests) paid to Petru Ungureanu, the oenologist who pioneered the creation of sparkling wines in Modlova. Needless to mention that it has been produced in a limited edition of only 5600 bottles. 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 pastel-yellow hues
//Olfactory
intensity: powerful & leesy
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
On the first nose, this sparkling wine showcases a captivating array of aromas. At first, it reveals an abundance of ripe and dehydrated fruit character, which adds a touch of lusciousness to the overall experience. The foreground is filled with sweet fruit notes, with an enticing interplay of yeasty and leesy elements in the background. Enticing aromas of freshly baked brioche and baguette, accompanied by delicate hints of biscuit, wax and crème brûlée form the main flavor profile. Subtle undertones of bread crust, butter and panna cotta add a creamy texture, while the delicate essence of quince and asian pear lend a harmonious balance. As the wine unfolds, expect enchanting notes of hay, apricot, pluot, dried quince, honeycomb and propolis. This white wine offers a captivating olfactory journey that will leave you craving another sip.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp & zesty
On the palate, this sparkling wine delivers a delightful sensory journey. The ripe fruit character takes center stage, showcasing a beautiful blend of yellow fruits and lively citrus notes. Into the glass, you’ll be greeted by a bright acidity that enlivens the palate, complemented by a subtle touch of alcoholic warmth that adds depth to the overall experience. The wine feels ample, round and crisp, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that is both refreshing and inviting. The finish leaves a lasting impression with its crisp and zesty aftertaste, inviting you to savor the delightful flavors long after each sip. This white wine strikes a perfect balance between its vibrant fruit character, invigorating acidity, and a satisfying texture, making it a wonderful choice for any occasion.
//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or age for 2 or 3 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine
With its refreshingly crisp nature and well-rounded structure, this sparkling wine captures the essence of elegance and sophistication. The combination of the enticing aromas and rich flavors creates a very neat and harmonious symphony sensations. In terms of quality and style, this wine is capable to rival some of the most famous non-vintage Champagne wines. Its ample and neat character leaves a lasting impression, while its nicely structured balance add a subtle layer of finesse, that makes it a standout choice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a moment of indulgence, this sparkling wine is sure to deliver a memorable and satisfying tasting experience, at the very limit of hedonistic excellence.
//Scoring
CRICOVA | Elogiu | Brut Natur | Limited Edition | #
variety: chardonnay
country: Moldova
region: Codru
rating: 93.7
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This is definitely a great wine of Moldova and with a total of 93.7 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: This sparkling wine calls for a delightful pairing that complements its qualities. The refreshing crispness and the ample palate make it an ideal companion for a range of dishes. To highlight the wine’s lively nature, consider pairing it with a platter of freshly shucked oysters. The briny and delicate flavors of the oysters will harmonize beautifully with the wine’s bright acidity, enhancing both the seafood and the wine in a delightful dance of flavors. For a touch of indulgence, serve it with a plate of creamy brie cheese and lightly toasted baguette slices. The rich and creamy texture of the cheese will complement the wine’s leesy character, while the crispness of the baguette provides a delightful contrast. 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.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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