Romanian grapes - Episode 3 - Feteasca Regala (Royal Maiden)

Romania’s indigenous grapes each tell a story and if Feteasca Alba is elegance and Feteasca Neagra is power, then Feteasca Regala is the perfect balance of both.

Often called Romania’s most versatile native white grape, Feteasca Regala is loved by winemakers and drinkers alike for its freshness, reliability and wide appeal.

Feteasca Regala (pronounced feh-teh-AS-kah reh-GAH-luh) translates to “Royal Maiden”.

Unlike its older sisters, this grape is relatively young. It was first identified in the 1920s in Transylvania and is believed to be a natural cross between Feteasca Alba and Grasa de Cotnari.

Despite its recent discovery, it quickly became one of Romania’s most widely planted varieties, thanks to its adaptability and consistent quality.

Feteasca Regala is one of Romania’s most planted white grapes, with estimates ranging between 12,000 and 15,000 hectares (6.6% to 8.3%) across the country.

You’ll find it grown across nearly every major Romanian wine region.

Feteasca Regala is known for its fresh, lively and approachable character.

Typical flavour profile:

• Green apple
• Pear
• Citrus (lemon, grapefruit)
• White flowers
• Sometimes subtle herbal notes

On the palate, expect:

• Light to medium body
• Bright acidity
• Clean, refreshing finish

It’s often described as sitting somewhere between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, but with a softer, more rounded feel.

Why winemakers love it

One of the biggest reasons Feteasca Regala is so widely planted is its reliability. It offers good resistance to cold weather, stable yields year after year and adaptability to different soils and climates.

This makes it especially valuable in regions with unpredictable weather, something Romanian vineyards know well.

For producers, it’s a dependable grape that still delivers quality and character.

In recent years, more wineries have started producing higher-quality single-varietal versions, showing that this grape has more depth than many people expect.

Food pairings

Feteasca Regala is incredibly food-friendly thanks to its bright acidity and clean profile.

Great pairings include:

• Grilled chicken
• Fish and seafood
• Salads and light starters
• Vegetable dishes
• Soft cheeses

It also works beautifully as an aperitif or summer wine.

If you’re introducing someone to Romanian wines for the first time, this is often a safe and enjoyable starting point.

Feteasca Regala vs other Romanian grapes

If you’re exploring Romanian wines, here’s a quick comparison:

Feteasca Alba – Floral, delicate, elegant

Feteasca Regala – Fresh, lively, versatile

Feteasca Neagra – Bold, rich red wine

Feteasca Regala sits right in the middle; approachable but still distinctly Romanian.