Fetească Regală (Royal Maiden)

Royal Maiden is a relatively new variety of grape, obtained from crossing White Maiden with Grasă and it is usually compared with Chardonnay. The name is an homage to the Romanian royal family, main supporter of the vine culture in south Transilvania after the First World War.

The variety was identified round 1920 in the Mures province, Transilvania, and it was officially recognized under the name of Royal Maiden in 1928, during the Wine and Fruits National Exhibition from Bucharest.

The obtained white wine is mostly dry, with a beautiful greenish white color, with yellow shades or sometimes even golden sparks. It has a soft, floral and fresh taste, similar with the freshness of a green and perfumed Romanian apple. In order to enjoy its particular fresh taste, ageing for long periods is not recommended.

The quality pendulates between premium and mass-produced categories. During the Romanian communist period the Royal Maiden wine was massively consumed, due to its high production rate. It is for the same reason that it can serve as a base for fizzy, sparkling wines or distillated drinks.

The alcoholic strength varies between 10,5% and 11,5% and its sugars levels are medium, on a scale from 170 to 210g/l.