Te Wā Blanc de Blanc Brut 2021
Grapes - 100% from the vineyard of Gospodriei Taranesti "Donea Ion". The grapes used to produce this wine were grown and harvested on the small Donea family farm, the vineyard, of only 7 hectares, was planted in 2002, located near the village of Taraclia de Salcie, Cahul, in the heart of Bugeac.
100% selective hand-harvesting in 10 kg crates.
The grapes were initially pre-chilled to 0°C and loaded into the press directly, without destemming, for a more gentle pressing and minimizing intervention at the must stage.
Fermented in stainless steel vessels at low temperatures of 12-13°C with indigenous and selective yeast mix.
Malolactic fermentation was only partially allowed to run, in order to add texture and a more delicate taste.
Base wine maturation and secondary fermentation:
For 8 months, 100% of the base wine sat in stainless steel vats in contact with fine yeast sediment, with batonnage and careful monitoring of the evolution, to amplify the structure and restore fullness in taste.
Secondary fermentation took place in the bottles and was initiated with selected yeasts immediately after adding liqueur de tirage.
- Region: Protected Geographical Indication Ștefan-Vodă
- Grape: Chardonnay - 55%, Feteascā Albā - 45%
- Alcohol: 12,0%
- pH: 3,26
- Total acidity: 6,7 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,0 g/l
- Secondary fermentation: 28th of July 2022
- Dosage: zéro dosage
- Quantity disgorged: 650 bottles
- Disgorgement date: 1st of December 2023
Ratings
55/45 blend of Chardonnay and Feteascā Albā. Surprisingly impressive result. There's a touch of cider, buttery brioche, flowers, and honey - a lovely, well-crafted nose. Not overly complex, but a really solid execution of the traditional method.
The letdown comes on the palate - mainly due to a lack of acidity, and it falls a bit short in length. It's round, super friendly, a touch too sweet, and doesn't quite deliver the freshness you'd hope for. Still, it's tasty and genuinely interesting. The bubbles quality does give away that it's not Champagne though 😅
From what I understand, this is Te Wā's first commercial attempt at traditional method sparkling - and I'm genuinely excited to see where they go next. One mystery remains: the residual sugar. The label says 9 g/L dosage, but the tech sheet claims 2 g/L RS + zero dosage. Judging by taste, I'd believe the 9. Either way - let's see what comes next.