TARABOSTE | Chardonnay | Barrique | 2022
chardonnay

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The Taraboste label was created to represent the noble heritage of moldovan winemaking, thus showcasing the country’s unique terroir. Taraboste was the name given by the romans to the aristocracy of the geto-dacians – a name that is meant to highlight the nobility of each wine. Inspired by Moldova’s traditions and cultural richness, Taraboste wines resonate with heritage, people and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
Today we are going to review a single varietal chardonnay wine that comes from the Valul lui Traian region, situated in the south of Moldova – Taraboste Chardonnay Barrique 2022 by Château Vartely. This wine is crafted entirely from chardonnay grapes – a variety that is famous for its versatility. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the south-exposed slopes of the Jora de Mijloc vineyards, which are part of the Valul lui Traian IGP. The wine is part of the Taraboste line, which is a tribute to the dacian ancestors, who set up the old traditions of winemaking in the northern balkan regions.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grape varieties, regarded by many as the ‘Queen of Whites‘ and it is prized for its flexibility and for the ability to produce top-notch wines in a wide range of climates and terroirs. Stylistically, there are two main types of chardonnay wines: on one hand we have the classic, creamy and rich, oak-aged style, that is backed up by winemakers in Napa Valley and most of the Grand Cru in Bourgogne, whereas on the other hand there’s the crisp, zingy and citrusy, unoaked style, that is mainly promoted by the new-world producers and most of the winemakers in the Chablis region.

Today’s wine is from the first category, as it has been fermented and aged in new oak barrels, which means that the wine went through the malolactic conversion – a process where the crisp, malic acid in the wine is converted into a more softer, lactic acid, thus the wine becomes less tart and more silky, gaining more structure and finesse, thus rounding up its palate. In the barrels, the wine spent 8 long months on fine lees (sur lie ageing) in order to to gain a layer of extra complexity and sophistication.

Valul lui Traian IGP boasts a warm continental climate that is ideal for viticulture, especially suited for red grape varieties. The region’s geography forms a harmonious balance between warm summer days and cool nights, which is essential for achieving optimal ripeness and for the development of rich flavors in the grapes. The soil here is predominantly clay, limestone, and sandy loam, ensuring excellent drainage and providing the necessary nutrients to the vines while also contributing a slight minerality to the wines. Compared to similar wines from other regions, those from Valul lui Traian area showcase a robust aromatic intensity brought by the unique climatic and soil characteristics of the region.

color: bright yellow color
clarity: clear topaz-yellow hues

Visually, the wine displays a bright yellow color with topaz-yellow shades at the rim. This inviting appearance sets the stage for the exploration of the wine’s flavor and aromatic profiles.

intensity: pronounced & oaky
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, the wine presents pronounced oaky accent, accompanied by a ripe fruit character. The aromatic profile features sweet notes of yellow pear, mirabelle prune, apple, and cantaloupe in the foreground, intertwined with nuances of fresh oakwood, hay, and vanilla bean. In the background, citrus notes of lemon and lemon peel, along with hints of MLC influence, with hints of butter and crème brûlée, enhance the wine’s aromatic complexity and add a layer of extra sophistication.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: rich & oaky

The palate reveals a rich, ample, and voluptuous mouthfeel, characteristic of a well-structured chardonnay. It showcases ripe fruit flavors with nuanced oaky influences, presenting a dry character complemented by crisp acidity and a warming touch of alcohol. The satisfying finish incorporates a rich and oaky aftertaste, with a pleasantly seedy texture and a hint of phenolic bitterness, contributing to the wine’s complexity.

maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 2 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is quality-driven chardonnay wine that exhibits some promises of an aging potential. The wine is in a developing phase, suggesting that it can be enjoyed today or within the next two years. This wine, with its intricate balance of noble oak and rich fruit, is a must choice for any wine enthusiast that is looking to explore all the nuances and essence of the chardonnay grape variety.

TARABOSTE | Chardonnay | Barrique | 2022
variety: chardonnay
country: Moldova
region: Valul lui Traian
rating: 94.0

To complement this delightful wine, consider pairing it with creamy seafood dishes such as lobster tails with white butter sauce or rich baked salmon with garlic and lime butter sauce. These dishes would enhance the wine’s rich texture and delightful oak influence, creating a harmonious tasting experience.

The name ‘Taraboste’ was historically given by the romans to signify the aristocracy of the geto-dacian tribes, who lived in what is now modern-day Romania and Moldova. The Tarabostes were at the top of the dacian social hierarchy and were distinguishable by their attire, particularly a type of pointed hat called a pileus, which symbolized their noble status.

© 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. Cheers!