Overview
The 'Royal Maiden' — Romania's most widely planted indigenous white grape and its most important calling card. A natural cross between Fetească Albă and Francușă, discovered in Transylvania in the 1930s. At its best (Jidvei, SERVE, Cramele Recaș) it produces elegant, floral whites with notes of white peach, honey and almonds — a genuine alternative to Alsace Pinot Gris at a fraction of the price. The Târnave plateau in Transylvania, at 380–500m altitude, is its spiritual home.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Pale lemon-green
- Nose
- White peach, Apricot, Pear, Almond and White flowers.
- Palate
- Romania's crown jewel — floral, honeyed, uniquely Transylvanian. Generally light-bodied, crisp acidity, dry, with a medium finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Light2/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
Fetească RegalăFetească Albă
Aromas And Notes
White peachApricotPearLemon blossomQuinceAlmondWhite flowersHoneyChalkBeeswaxToastDried apricot
Terroir
Continental — Transylvania plateau, cold winters, warm summers, significant diurnal range. Târnave river valley moderates extremes.
LimestoneClay-limestoneSandy loamAlluvial terraces
Food Pairings
Mămăligă cu brânză (polenta with cheese)Grilled troutChicken ciorbăFresh goat's cheeseCozonac (sweet bread)
Notable Producers
- Jidvei, founded 1949 - Fetească Regală Tezaur
- SERVE (Société Européenne de Vins Roumains), founded 1994 - Terre des Charmes Fetească Regală
- Cramele Recaș, founded 1999 - Sole Fetească Regală