COLOUR
White
TYPE
Dessert
VINTAGE
NV
GRAPE
Grasă de Cotnari, Fetească Albă
PRODUCER
Cotnari
REGION
Moldavia's Plateau
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Medium - sweet
Acidity
Medium - Low
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Grasă de Cotnari, often hailed as the 'gem of Romanian wines,' hails from the historic Cotnari wine region in Iași County, part of Moldavia's Plateau. This esteemed variety has been cultivated here since the 15th century, under the rule of Prince Stephen the Great. The Cotnari vineyard itself boasts a remarkable 2,000-year history, covering 1,750 hectares. The producer, Cotnari, established in 1948, is the heart of this vineyard, managing over 1,700 hectares. Their commitment to quality is evident in projects like 'Casa de Vinuri Cotnari,' focusing on traditional grape varieties. Grasă de Cotnari has garnered more awards than any other wine from the region, including Gold at the Vinarium International Wine Contest for its 2021 and 2023 vintages, and Grand Gold at prestigious competitions like the Berlin Wine Trophy.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€7
STYLE
Botrytized
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Grasă de Cotnari is known as the 'gem of Romanian wines'.
Fact 02
The variety has been grown in Cotnari since the 15th-century rule of Prince Stephen the Great.
Fact 03
The Cotnari vineyard boasts a history of approximately 2,000 years.
Fact 04
It is often made from grapes affected by noble rot, concentrating its sugars.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
Grasă de Cotnari is crafted from late-harvested grapes, frequently benefiting from the noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which naturally concentrates the sugars and enhances flavor complexity. The producer, Cotnari, employs meticulous viticultural practices, limiting average grape production to 70-80% of other vineyards to ensure superior quality. This careful approach to grape selection and harvest timing is crucial for achieving the wine's characteristic sweetness and aromatic intensity. The wine is known to age well, with its color deepening from pale yellow to a dark yellow with orange notes over time.
