MAESTRO | Feteasca Regala | 2023
feteasca regala

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Maestro Wines is renowned for its commitment to crafting exciting wines, a winery that embodies the passion for meticulous craftsmanship. With its vineyards planted in Moldova’s Valul lui Traian and Stefan Voda regions, the winery takes pride in its organic practices and deep-rooted philosophy that respects the local traditions but with a modern twist.
Today we are going to review a single-varietal feteasca regala wine from the Stefan Voda area, which is the most famous wine region of Moldova – Feteasca Regala 2023 by Maestro Wines. Feteasca Regala (which translates from romanian as ‘royal maiden‘) is one of the most famous and sought after white grape varieties in Romania, also enjoying significant popularity in Moldova and Hungary (where it is known as királyleányka, which translates as ‘little royal girl’ or ‘princess’). Feteasca Regala has been discovered near the medieval town of Sighisoara (Transylvania) in 1920 – a natural cross between feteasca alba and grasa de cotnari 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 winemaking involves a quite interesting technique: fermentation in oak barrels to enhance texture and complexity, followed by ageing exclusively in stainless steel tanks. This method, complemented by several months of bottle ageing, is designed to preserve the grape’s intrinsic varietal characteristics, particularly its delicate aromatics and zesty acidity, resulting in a wine that is both rich and refreshingly pure.

The Stefan Voda wine region is distinguished by its diverse landscapes and warm continental climate, which allows for optimal grape ripening, especially suited for red grape varieties. The soil is rich in minerality, comprising clay and loam, that provides excellent drainage and supports vital nutrients for the vine growing. This unique soil composition, combined with the region’s distinct microclimate, that balances an abundance of sun exposure with refreshing rainfall, tempered by the cool breezes from the Black Sea, contributes to the expressive and rich profile of the resulting wines.

color: pale & transparent yellow color
clarity: clear pastel-yellow hues

In the glass, the wine displays a beautiful, pale yellow color, crystal clear and bright, with transparent, pastel-yellow hues shimmering towards the rim, indicative of its youth and freshness.

intensity: rich & floral
fruit character: ripe

The olfactory profile is rich and expressive, offering an inviting bouquet. The foreground is a captivating tapestry of herbal nuances – think subtle sun-dried wheat, hay, and meadow. These are gracefully intertwined with distinct citrusy notes of zesty lemon and pomelo. Delving deeper, the background reveals delicate orchid fruit aromas, reminiscent of asian pear, golden apple, and ripe quince. Both layers are further enhanced by floral fragrances, mainly chamomile and daffodil, adding extra complexity.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: citrusy-zesty

On the palate, the wine tastes rich and expressive, with a vibrant profile and a pronounced citrusy-zesty accent. It reveals a vibrant mouthfeel, created by exuberant acidity, which forms the backbone of the wine. The wine feels nicely structured, with a light body that feels both ample and agile. There’s a touch of alcoholic warmth, contributing to the wine’s richness without overshadowing its freshness. A subtle touch of phenolic bitterness adds further sophistication, enhancing its crispness.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within a year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

Overall, this is a rich and zesty wine with a vibrant profile and a refreshing citrusy mouthfeel – a genuine and authentic representation of the Feteasca Regala grape, showcasing amazing varietal typicity. This wine beautifully captures the essence of this grape variety, emphasizing freshness and aromatic finesse. It is currently in its prime form, brimming with youthful energy and charm. We highly recommend enjoying it today rather than tomorrow, as its primary appeal lies in its current vivacity and aromatic intensity.

The wine’s exuberant acidity, citrusy accent, and herbal undertones make it a versatile partner for a variety of dishes. It would pair wonderfully with grilled sea bass seasoned with lemon and fresh dill; the wine’s acidity will cut through the richness of the fish, while its citrus and herbal notes will complement the seasoning. For a more creative pairing, consider a light quiche with asparagus and goat cheese; the wine’s zesty profile will provide a lovely contrast to the creamy texture of the quiche, and its herbal notes will resonate beautifully with the green asparagus, creating a harmonious and delightful culinary experience.

MAESTRO | Feteasca Regala | 2023
variety: feteasca regala
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 92.7

© 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!