Recaş "Castle Rock" Fetească Regală 2010

Recaş "Castle Rock" Fetească Regală 2010

Origin: Romania
Blend: Fetească Regală (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: This wine is golden straw in color with apple/pear aromas and a hint of cider-like spice and herbs. Rather smooth on the palate, the flavors are similar to the nose, accompanied by some citric-based acidity. The finish tapers off gradually, leaving an ever so slight tropical fruit-like sweetness behind.

Our rating: We've never tasted this particular varietal before — indeed, this is our first wine from Romania — but apparently this grape is quite common in the region. Since we didn't know what to expect, we prepared our standard meal to serve with unknown wines, sauteed chicken breasts and herb-infused rice — it's actually quite a common meal in our house anyway — and were pleasantly surprised at how well it paired. We think poultry dishes, especially those that are mildly spiced — think North African or Middle Eastern here — may be ideal. It's not an overly complex wine but one that has a lot of character to it. In a word, it's interesting. One of our more unusual ABC wines, and one you may be unfamiliar with; we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Cremele Recaş. The bottle image of this wine differs slightly from the one we reviewed.