Romanian grapes - Episode 2 - Feteasca Alba (White Maiden)

Romania is home to some of Europe’s most fascinating indigenous grape varieties and while Feteasca Neagra often steals the spotlight, its elegant sister deserves just as much attention.

Meet Feteasca Alba, one of Romania’s oldest and most graceful white grapes.

What is Feteasca Alba?

Feteasca Alba (Fetească Albă) (pronounced feh-teh-AS-kah AL-buh) translates to “White Maiden".

It’s an ancient Romanian grape variety believed to have been cultivated for centuries, possibly even millennia. 

Today, it’s grown widely across Romania and neighbouring Moldova, especially in regions like Moldova, Transylvania and Muntenia. 

Despite its long history, it’s still relatively unknown outside Eastern Europe, which makes it a true hidden gem for wine lovers.

How much Feteasca Alba is grown?

 

Feteasca Alba is actually one of the most planted indigenous white grapes in Romania, with estimates of over 10,000 hectares planted nationally which is about 5.5% of the total wine produced in Romania.

That makes it far more widespread than many people realise and a cornerstone of Romanian white wine production.

What does Feteasca Alba taste like?

Feteasca Alba is all about elegance and delicacy rather than boldness.

Typical flavour profile:

• White flowers (acacia, vine blossom or elderflower) 

• Pear and green apple 

• Citrus and light minerality 

• Sometimes peach, apricot or honey when riper 

On the palate, expect:

• Light to medium body

• Crisp, refreshing acidity

• Clean, smooth finish 

Think of it as sitting somewhere between Pinot Grigio and a soft Riesling; refined but approachable.

Wine styles made from Feteasca Alba

One reason winemakers love this grape is its versatility. Feteasca Alba can be used to make:

• Fresh, dry white wines

• Off-dry aromatic wines

• Sparkling wines

• Late-harvest or sweeter styles 

It naturally accumulates high sugar levels, which allows for everything from crisp summer wines to more luscious expressions. 

Most bottles you’ll find in the UK are fresh and dry perfect for easy drinking.

Food pairings

Because of its light body and floral character, Feteasca Alba is incredibly food-friendly.

Try it with:

• Grilled fish or seafood 

• Chicken dishes

• Fresh salads

• Soft cheeses

• Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage)

It’s the kind of wine that works beautifully on warm evenings or relaxed dinners.

Fun facts:

• Feteasca Albaă is believed to be one of Romania’s oldest grape varieties, with origins dating back over 1,000 years in the Carpathian region
• If Feteasca Neagra is Romania’s bold statement, Feteasca Alba is its quiet elegance;
• In Romania and Moldova, Feteasca Alba is one of the preferred grapes for traditional-method sparkling wines. Its acidity and floral aromas make it ideal for elegant, Champagne-style bottles
• Most notably, it is one of the parents of Feteasca Regala, which was discovered in the early 20th century in Transylvania;