Casa Vinicola Luca Brut Natur (d2023)

Fetească Regală is a fairly aromatic grape. But in this wine, the nose is quite restrained and lees ageing barely registers. What you get instead are mostly varietal notes: white flowers, ground white pepper, and a bit of white apple. There is a touch of autolysis, but you really have to go digging for it - which is a shame, as that could've added exactly the depth needed to balance the primary nose's neutrality.

That said, the palate really delivers. Bright acidity, a long, evolving finish, great flavour definition, and fine perlage. There's even a pleasant touch of bitterness at the end. Maybe a bit too light in body and structure, but overall - it's a very well-made, satisfying wine.