BUDUREASCA | Classic Blanc Noir | Extra Brut | 2014
pinot noir | chardonnay

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Budureasca is a prominent winery nestled in the heart of Dealu Mare region – a place with deep historical roots in winemaking. Established in 2006, the Budureasca winery seamlessly blends traditions with technology, embodying a vision to craft wines capable to express the footprint of the Dealu Mare terroir.
Today we are going to review a quite exceptional sparkling wine from Dealu Mare, which is one of Romania’s most famous wine regions – Classic Blanc Noir Extra Brut 2014 by Budureasca. This wine is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, produced by the authentic méthode traditionelle technique (also called the champenoise method), the same way the famous Champagne wines are made in France, with a long period of second fermentation in the bottle. After the second fermentation, the wine is then aged for 8 years on fine lees (sur lie ageing), which allowed it to develop aromatic sophistication, an extra layer of complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate. This is also a millésime sparkling wine, which means that it was created from a single harvest, and from a single vineyard, that of 2014.

When it comes to sparkling wines, not all of them are created the same way. One of the key differences lies in how the bubbles are formed — specifically, whether the wine undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle (traditional method) or in large pressurized tanks (tank method, also known as charmat method). In the tank method the secondary fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks rather than individual bottles. This process is quicker, more cost-effective, and preserves the wine’s vibrant fruit character and freshness. The result is a more aromatic, easy-drinking sparkling wine with crisp acidity and minimal yeasty complexity (think of Prosecco). On the other hand, the traditional method is a more time-intensive process, as the second fermentation happens in the bottle, where the wine also ages on the fine lees (the dead yeast particles) for extended periods, from several months to several years. This slow aging builds extra layers of complexity on the nose and creates a creamy textures on the palate (think of classic sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or Franciacorta).

Located in a hilly landscape, the Dealu Mare region’s varied altitudes and endless slopes foster excellent drainage and aeration necessary for vine health. The region benefits from a combination of geographical advantages that define its unique terroir. Its close proximity of the Carpathian Mountains moderates temperature extremes, allowing for a longer growing season. Its terroir is characterized by limestone-rich soils and a favorable microclimate defined by warm sunny days and cool nights. The elevation aids in preserving natural acidity while allowing the grapes to ripen fully. These natural elements combine to create wines that allows for the full expression of each grape variety with vibrant and complex aromas.
© Map credits: crameromania.ro

color: medium-pale yellow color
clarity: clear pastel-yellow hues

The wine presents an appealing, medium-pale yellow color, with delicate, pastel yellow shades towards the rim of the glass.

intensity: rich & creamy
fruit character: ripe & underripe

The olfactory profile is rich and creamy, highlighting the impact of its prolonged lees ageing. The foreground is dominated by an array of complex yeasty notes, evocative of fresh dough, cream, home made butter, french baguette crust, and a distinct bisquity richness. These autolytic aromas are beautifully complemented by hints of orchard fruits, suggesting notes of green apple, underripe apricot, and the gentle sweetness of nashi pear. As the aroma unfolds, the background reveals a refreshing herbal layer, bringing aromas of dry straw grass and a hint of green pear leaf, gracefully lifted by bright, fresh citrus touches of lemon zest and lemon peel, adding a vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the fruit.

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

On the palate, the wine feels round, ample, and voluptuous, creating a sense of richness and presence that coats the palate. It delivers a refreshing crispness alongside a perceived ripe fruit character, beautifully balanced by an exuberant acidity that provides the wine with lift and vitality. There’s a slight seedy texture and a touch of phenolic bitterness on the finish, contributing complexity and a tactile dimension. A touch of alcoholic warmth is present, harmoniously integrated into the wine’s body. The experience culminates in a persistent, appealingly-crisp aftertaste.

maturity: still developing | drink now or age for 2 to 3 year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

All in all, this is a top-notch sparkling wine with amazing structural balance, rightly considered one of the best ever made in Romania. Its impressive 8 years of ageing on lees has clearly contributed significant richness, depth, and textural complexity. Based on its current profile, it still possesses some promising ageing potential, while thoroughly enjoyable today, it could be cellared for another 2 or 3 years in order to develop further aromatic complexity. While it stands its ground remarkably well and competes favorably against many non-vintage Champagne wines, the wine still lacks a touch of elegance and finesse that is characteristic to the very best vintage methode traditionnelle sparkling wines.

With its vibrant acidity and creamy texture, this wine would be a fine pairing partner with pan-seared sea bass served with a light lemon-butter sauce and roasted asparagus, or perhaps a creamy chicken involtini stuffed with herbs and mascarpone. For a contrasting experience, try pairing this wine with lightly spiced asian cuisine or a simple antipasto platter featuring high-quality prosciutto, aged parmesan cheese, and ripe figs. Cheers!

BUDUREASCA | Classic Blanc Noir | Extra Brut | 2014
variety: pinot noir | chardonnay 
country: Romania
region: Muntenia | Dealu Mare
rating: 93.4

Today’s wine spent 8 years ageing on its fine lees directly in the bottle. This prolonged ‘sur lie’ maturation period is significantly longer than the minimum requirements set by many sparkling wine appellations and is a key factor contributing to the wine’s exceptional depth, creamy texture, and rich autolytic profile.

© 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!