Sauvignon Blanc is generally characterized by a refreshing aroma and is drunk fresh without aging.
Some barrel-aged Sauvignon Blancs have complex aged aromas, with soft notes of honey and vanilla spreading in the mouth.
However, Bordeaux Blanc, famous for barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc, and top-class barrel-aged Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand often come with high price tags.
Amidst this, we would like to introduce Lacerta's Sauvignon Blanc Riserva, a Romanian winery that boasts high cost performance in the mid-price range.
About Lacerta Winery
Lacerta is located in Romania, south of the Carpathian Mountains, in a region known for wine production at the same 45th parallel north as Tuscany and Bordeaux, characterized by wet springs and long, sunny, dry autumns.
Lacerta's trademark lizard is proof that the soil is healthy and fertile, as lizards actively run around the land. "LacertA," meaning lizard in Latin, has won numerous awards since 2011.
About Sauvignon Blanc
It is a dry, crisp, and uniquely refreshing white grape variety with characteristic aromas of herbs and citrus fruits, popular worldwide. It is generally fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, with minimal oxygen contact to highlight the fresh fruit aromas, and is typically drunk early without aging. This style is common in New Zealand, where Sauvignon Blanc is a major variety.
On the other hand, Bordeaux Blanc is famous for Sauvignon Blanc that incorporates barrel fermentation and aging. Barrel fermentation and aging make the wine richer and more complex in aroma. Some top-class New Zealand producers also adopt this style.
Comparing Lacerta Sauvignon Blanc Riserva 2011 with another wine
Lacerta's white wine grape varieties are narrowed down to six, with the policy that they can be enjoyed young but become even more exceptional with aging. One of these is Sauvignon Blanc. Lacerta's Sauvignon Blanc Riserva 2011 is fermented and aged in oak barrels and costs 4,000 yen. It is sold out at the winery, and MareNoroc also has limited stock remaining. We compared this precious bottle with Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022, a famous Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand in the same 4,000 yen price range.
Lacerta is on the left, and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is on the right.
First, I was surprised by the difference in color. Cloudy Bay's was clear, while Lacerta's was golden. It was evident that it was well-aged.
Cloudy Bay had a rich and straightforward fruit aroma, while Lacerta had a complex aroma with both barrel notes and fruitiness.
In terms of taste, Cloudy Bay had a slightly stronger acidity, with a lingering grapefruit flavor. Lacerta had a balanced acidity, with soft vanilla and honey-like flavors spreading in the mouth.
While this depends on preference and the food it's paired with, those who dislike acidity would likely enjoy Lacerta Sauvignon Blanc Riserva 2011. I myself found it delicious and drank quite a bit.
Recommended Food Pairings for Lacerta Sauvignon Riserva 2011
Since it pairs well with cheese and pasta, I made Rigatoni Gorgonzola Cream Sauce Pasta using Gorgonzola Dolce and ate it together. It was a rich pasta, delicious on its own, but it was even more enjoyable and I didn't get tired of it with this wine. It also seems to go well with a wide range of foods, including Japanese cuisine, fatty fish, and chicken dishes.
Summary
Lacerta's barrel-fermented and aged Sauvignon Blanc Riserva 2011
While many barrel-aged Sauvignon Blancs are in the high price range, this wine, even at 4,000 yen, seems to be a great value. It's sold out at the winery, and MareNoroc also has limited stock. Don't miss this opportunity to try it!
