Riesling Lake Breeze from Fautor Winery stood out at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2024 held in León, Mexico.
Out of approximately 7,500 wines from 42 countries, only 18 were hailed as discoveries or revelations by the 350 jurors from 45 countries, and Riesling Lake Breeze was one of them.
This distinction brought home the only Grand Gold Medal for Moldova in this competition, marking a historic moment for the nation's wine industry.
A Limited Edition Masterpiece
Riesling Lake Breeze is produced in a limited edition of approximately 4,000 bottles. This dry white wine is crafted using innovative technology and matured for six months in French oak barrels specifically designed for white wines. The careful production process ensures a wine of exceptional quality and distinct character.
The Influence of Podgoria Romanovca
The inspiration behind the name and label of Riesling Lake Breeze comes from the lake at Podgoria Romanovca in Leova, established in 2005 by the founding family of Fautor on a 4-hectare plot of land. This lake plays a crucial role in creating a favorable microclimate for vine cultivation. It stabilizes surrounding temperatures and increases air humidity, which helps prevent water stress during droughts. These conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Riesling grapes with unique aromas and attributes.
Terroir of Fautor Winery Vineyards
Riesling Lake Breeze benefits from the rich and diverse terroir of the Valul lui Traian region, a designated area for producing wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in southwestern Moldova. This region, part of the Southern Moldavian Plain, features a hilly northern area with long slopes and a flatter southern terrain. The defining character of the region is forest-steppe, with the Tigheci Hills in the west, boasting the highest peaks at an altitude of 301 meters and approximately 40,000 hectares of vines.
The name Valul lui Traian (Trajan's Wave) is derived from ancient fortifications built to defend the eastern borders of the Roman Empire. Today, the remnants of these fortifications serve as historical landmarks.
Soil Composition and Microzones
The Southern Plain, the youngest geological part of Moldova, features a fragmented relief covered with loessoid clays, loamy-clayey, loamy layers, leached chernozems, sandy clays, and dust. The Tigheci Hills microzone, encompassing the Tigheci Forests and its heights, offers a complex microclimate compared to other areas within Valul lui Traian.
Fautor Winery's vineyards span two key microzones:
- Located in the proximity to Lunca Prutului and Codrii Tigheciului ensures natural protection against frost and strong winds, while the forests provide necessary humidity through leaf transpiration. The soils here range from carbonate chernozems to typical chernozems.
- Peaks of Tigheci: Including the localities of Filipeni and Romanovca, these vineyards enjoy full sun exposure and slightly cooler altitudes. The region is characterized by carbonate soils and typical chernozems.
The unique combination of humidity from the forests and heat from the Bugeac steppe, along with the varied soil types, contributes to the production of intensely colored and high-quality wines, including the exquisite Riesling Lake Breeze.
Protected Geographical Indication "Valul lui Traian"
Riesling Lake Breeze is a wine with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Valul lui Traian." Fautor Winery holds the distinction of being the largest producer of wines with PGI in Moldova, based on the number of products in this category. The PGI status underscores the wine's high quality and the specific regional characteristics that contribute to its excellence.
Since its release at the end of 2023, Riesling Lake Breeze has quickly garnered international acclaim. The 2021 vintage has won several gold medals at notable competitions, including:
- Sakura Award, Japan
- Berliner Wine Trophy, Germany
- Gilbert & Gaillard, France
- Balkans International Wine Competition, Macedonia
- Città del Vino, Italy
These accolades highlight the wine's global recognition and the expertise of Fautor Winery's team, oenologist Tatiana Croitoru and Sales & Marketing Director Ruxanda Lipcan for their exceptional work on this world-renowned project. Their dedication and expertise have put Moldovan wine on the global map, and Riesling Lake Breeze stands as a testament to their skill and passion.
Ruxanda Lipcan, Sales & Marketing Director at Fautor Winery
Wine tasting: A Wine of Aristocratic Elegance
Riesling Lake Breeze is not just a medal winner; it is a wine of aristocratic elegance. It is an exceptional wine that stands out for its exotic and unusual character. The combination of dry, late harvest Riesling with oak aging results in a wine that is both complex and balanced.
Its pale, bright straw-yellow color with green reflections hints at its freshness and vibrancy. The inviting aromas of minerals, honeycomb are complemented by additional notes of green tea, jasmine, and acacia flowers. On the palate, it boasts a medium body with balanced acidity, smoothed by oak aging. Flavors of acacia, minerals, and honey, with hints of petroleum, emerge as the wine warms, leading to a long, satisfying aftertaste with abundant honey and tropical fruit.
Perfect Pairings
This exquisite wine pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, seafood, and green salads. The balanced acidity and complex flavor profile make it an excellent companion to these dishes, enhancing their flavors and creating a harmonious dining experience.
Conclusion
Riesling Lake Breeze is a shining example of Moldova's winemaking potential. Its success at international competitions, including the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, underscores its quality and the dedication of the Fautor Winery team. This limited edition wine, with its unique characteristics and protected geographical indication, is a must-try for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the best of Moldovan viticulture.