RECAS | Sole | Feteasca Regala | Barrique | 2022
feteasca regala

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Today we are going to review a single-vineyard and single-varietal feteasca regala wine that comes from the famous Recas DOP, that is situated in Banat wine region of Romania – Sole Feteasca Regala Barrique 2022 by Cramele Recaș. 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 day, 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 Dealul Tiganului vineyard, planted on calcareous-rich soil in the Recas DOP (protected designation of origin), and what makes this wine slightly different, is that it has been aged for 3 to 4 months in oak barrels in order to gain extra complexity. 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 yellow color
clarity: pale lemon hues

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & floral
fruit character: ripe & candied

On the first nose, the wine displays a delightful fruit character, seamlessly blending ripe and candied nuances. The forefront is adorned with notes of green fruits (green pear, golden apple and bergamot) and a nuanced touch of citrus fruits (meyer lemon, lime and a touch of grapefruit), all of which contribute to a lively and refreshing aromatic profile. As the olfactory journey unfolds, the background is dominated by floral aromas (daffodil, acacia flower and marguerite daisy) with pronounced herbal-meadow nuances, adding a layer of complexity to the overall bouquet. But what makes this wine shine is the middle layer, filled with delightful candy notes (pear drop and lemon candy).

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: fair
finish: medium | aftertaste: rough

On the palate, the wine reveals a distinctive interplay of flavors that captivates the senses. The acidity, though somewhat flat, provides a subdued backdrop for the ripe fruit character to shine through. The integration of green fruits, citrus and herbal notes adds a layered complexity, however, a pronounced touch of alcoholic warmth becomes too insistent, providing a subtle depth to the overall tasting profile. Despite this, the wine falls short on acidity, thus lacking the vibrancy that would elevate its structure. The finish reveals a somewhat rough aftertaste, leaving a lingering sensation that may not align with those seeking a crisp and refreshing feteasca regala wine.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now | do not age
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

Overall, this white wine leans towards being a bit angular, unpolished and slightly rough. The nuanced floral profile and subtle hints of oak add a layer of complexity, however, the lack of harmony and finesse on the palate detracts from the wine’s potential. The interplay of ripe fruit character, green fruits and herbal nuances attempts to create a multilayered experience, but the flat acidity and that overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth contribute to an obvious imbalance. Despite these shortcomings, the wine manages to capture the essence of fetească regală grape variety, making it a good choice for those who are specifically seeking to discover the many facets of this specific grape variety, but not to those who prioritize harmony and finesse in their preferences.

//Scoring
RECAS | Sole | Feteasca Regala | Barrique | 2022
variety: feteasca regala
country: Romania | Banat
region: Recas | Dealul Tiganului
rating: 90.9
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This is definitely a nice wine of Romania and with a total of 90.9 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: Based on the wine’s angular and slightly rough nature, we would suggest pairing it with a dish that has robust flavors and a touch of creaminess to offset the wine’s sharp edges, like for example a grilled chicken fettuccine Alfredo pasta. The ripe and candied fruit character, along with the herbal-meadow nuances in the wine, will find harmony with the flavours of the grilled chicken, while the flat acidity and the overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth, will be counter-balanced by the creamy Alfredo sauce. In the same key, the nuanced floral profile and subtle hints of oak, will complement the richness of the dish, creating a cohesive and satisfying ensemble. Cheers!

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