DIWINETY | Urashima Tarō | #
feteasca regala

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DiWinety is a new winery that stands out for its experimental approach by combining traditional winemaking methods with innovative practices that reflect the true potential of moldovan viticulture.
Today we are going to review a very special sparkling wine that took over our hearts from the very first sip – Urashima Tarō by DiWinety. This wine is made exclusively from feteasca regala grapes (a style of sparkling wine that is called ‘blanc de blancs‘, which is one of the most famous and sought after grape varieties in both, Romania and Moldova. The grapes for this particular wine are sourced from the Codru wine region, but what makes this wine really unique, is the fact that it has been co-fermented with the addition of saké yeasts, with second fermentation in the bottle where the wine has aged on the fine lees for 15 months, which allowed the wine to develop a rich and complex aromatic profile and a creamy texture on the mouthfeel.

The wine is made by applying the traditional method (the authentic méthode traditionelle technique, the same way the famous Champagne sparkling wines are made), and is finished in a brut nature style, with zero added sugars or pas dosè, meaning no liquer du dosage (also called liqueur d’expedition) has been added during the vinification process. The absence of liqueur du dosage is meant to emphasize the purity of the feteasca regala grape’s flavors – a testament to the winemaker’s intent to highlight the essence of this grape variety, while also experimenting with new vinification techniques.

The Codru wine region has a moderate, relatively cool climate and a diverse array of loamy and clay soils, providing an ideal environment for grape growing, especially well suited for white grape varieties. The altitude and microclimate of this wine region boasts moderate rainfall and is influenced by the Carpathian cool winds as well as the Black Sea breezes. The region is characterized by its fertile chernozem soil and a continental climate, with warm summers and mild winters, promoting healthy vine growth and aiding in balanced water supply and moisture retention, thus contributing to the wine’s retention of flavors.

color: pale straw-white color
clarity: pastel yellow hues at the rim

In the glass, the wine displays a pale straw-white color with pastel yellow shades at the rim, offering a visual allure indicative of its freshness.

intensity: rich & citrusy-rich
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, the wine delivers a rich and citrusy foreground with notes of asian pear, yellow apple, and mirabelle prune, supported by citrusy hints of lemon, pomelo, and white grapefruit. The background introduces subtle malo-lactic touches with aromas of baguette and butter, elegantly intertwined with notes of hay, chamomile, and a hint of umami and rice vinegar induced by the sake yeasts.

sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: appealingly-seedy

The palate reveals a crisp and complex mouthfeel, marked by bright acidity and a well-integrated touch of alcoholic warmth. The flavors echo those found on the nose, characterized by ripe orchid fruits and nuanced citrusy and floral flavours. The wine feels bone-dry with an appealingly-seedy aftertaste and a touch of phenolic bitterness, leaving a lasting impression of its structural complexity.

maturity: developing | drink now within the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

Overall, this wine hints at the true potential that moldovan winemaking has yet to fulfill, presenting the fetească regală grape variety in a completely new role. Urashima Tarō is a complex and crisp sparkling wine, characterized by a well-structured palate and an extremely appealing mouthfeel. It combines a refreshing aromatic profile with a pleasantly seedy palate, thus showcases its potential for further development through aging while being enjoyable in its current state. This sparkling wine offers a delightful tasting experience that transcends into a conversation about both heritage and creativity.

DIWINETY | Urashima Tarō | #
variety: feteasca regala
country: Moldova
region: Codru
rating: 93.8

Perfect as an aperitif or paired with umami-rich dishes such as sushi or mahi mahi filets, the Urashima Tarō is sure to capture the hearts of both wine aficionados and those still exploring the world of fine sparkling wines.

Urashima Tarō is an audacious experiment incorporating sake yeast during fermentation, giving it a unique twist that enhances the already expressive aromatic profile of Fetească Regală grape variety with those much desired yeasty-umami notes that no other sparkling wine would offer, until today.

© 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!