Feteasca Regala is an elegant grape variety native to the wine-rich terrains of Romania and Moldova, where it's significantly recognised and used in wine production. Potentially dating back around 2,000 years, the grape's exact origins might be a mystery, but its importance and quality are well-established in Eastern Europe.
The name ‘Feteasca Regala’ translates into 'Royal Maiden', an apt moniker for this grape that often produces delightfully aromatic and crisp white wines. It's considered as noble grape due to its royal lineage and enduring popularity.
In terms of appearance, Feteasca Regala grapes are small to medium in size and have grey-blue thick skin. This grape variety reveals an exquisite balance between sweetness and acidity, contributing to its universal appeal. Wines made from Feteasca Regala are generally light to medium bodied, with prominent floral notes, and often possess flavours of green apples, peaches and apricots.
The wine ranges from dry to sweet and is often drunk young. However, some winemakers choose to let it age a few years to mellow and develop more complex flavour profiles.
The region's sunny, continental climate coupled with the soil composition, which often features rich clay and limestone, provides optimum growing conditions for this grape. Feteasca Regala is a key variety in many Romanian vineyards, especially in Transsylvania and Moldavia.
Four specific regions in Romania enjoy the Geographical Indication status for Feteasca Regala wines, illustrating the national significance of this grape variety. Moldova also recognises the grape's potential, producing vast quantities of Feteasca Regala wines.
In line with the growing global interest in Eastern Europe’s wine markets, Feteasca Regala has begun to disarm international palates and earn recognition on an international scale. Despite this rise in fame, it remains a somewhat discreet and lesser-known variety, offering wine connoisseurs a unique taste of Eastern Europe’s viniculture history.
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