13 best white wines from Central & Eastern Europe

It’s hard not to be taken aback by the fact that Eastern and Central European wines are only now starting to gain recognition on the international stage. After all, grape cultivation in Moldova dates back as far as 2800 BC – as evident by the size of grape imprints discovered in fossils.

While countries like Georgia, Greece, Moldova, and Romania have produced some great wines using international varietals - including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc - the most exciting potential for these countries lies in the relatively obscure and unknown indigenous varieties such as Greek Assyrtiko, Hungarian Furmint and Georgian Rkatsiteli.

One grape that is increasingly being featured on restaurant wine lists due to its excellent minerality and versatility with food is Assyrtiko, an indigenous grape variety from Greece, or to be more precise, from the island of Santorini. Many vines go back 400 years and are uniquely ‘basket’ weaved in the shape of nests, protecting the grapes from both wind and sun. The IWSC judges loved the ‘juicy melon and white peach aromas’ of Domaine Papagiannakos Assyrtiko 2019.

Romania is one of the oldest winemaking countries in the world and more and more artisan producers there are striving to create high-quality wines after a 40-year hiatus during the Communist era meant vineyards were collectivised and production massively increased at the expense of quality. Certainly a country to keep an eye on, IWSC judges were impressed with Bradshaw Sauvignon Blanc 2019’s ‘crisp palate of green fruits with zippy acidity.’

The white wines from Eastern and Central Europe is a really exciting category where tradition meets innovation – here are 13 fantastic examples from the IWSC’s recent tasting.

Single Vineyard Turtles Malagouzia 2019 
Alpha Estate

Pure 2017
Volcanic Slopes Vineyard

Expressive nose with notes of kumquat and lemon rind. Refined minerality that is harmonious with the zesty acidity, creating a lifted style. Elegant citrus notes of grapefuit that last long into the finish with great balance. 14% ABV RRP £42.49 fromSantorini.net

Viorica 2019
Purcari 

Interesting nose with some spices and floral aromas. The palate is crisp and fresh with notes of orange blossom, stone fruits and green tea. Vibrant and precise. 13.5% ABV RRP £14.95 fromTransylvania Wine

Petite Arvine 2019
Les Celliers de Vétroz

Elegant on the nose. Bright, fresh and pure fruit. The palate has enough fruit concentration to make this a juicy and interesting wine and there is some development on the finish too. 14% ABV RRP £35 fromLes Celliers de Vetroz


Cuvee Monsignori 2018 
Estate Argyros

Explosion of mineral notes along with citrus fruit. Beautiful aromas of crushed rocks and spiced lemon peel. The palate is focused and fresh with zesty acidity and complexity. 14% ABV RRP £37.95fromPhilglas and Swiggot

Assyrtiko 2019
Estate Argyros

Unique palate with complex notes of lime, grapefuit and pear skin. Driven by minerality on the palate, creating a refined and charming style with lots of layers and great length. 14% ABV RRP £28 fromTanners Wines

Seven Numbers Furmint 2019
Puklavec Family Wines

Herbal nose with touches of exotic fruit and ginger. Zesty palate with generous fruit character, which leads to a pleasant finish. Shows a lot of potential. 13.7% ABV fromBibendum Wine

Teliani Valley 
2019

Exhibits varietal character with semi-aromatic notes and floral undertones. Palate showcases the fruit: yellow nectarine, lemon zest, gooseberry. Well defined with a medium length. 12.5% ABV n/a in UK

Yerevan White Dry 2019
Armenia Wine Factory 

A simple and classy wine with fresh, green notes followed by muted grapefruit and stone fruits. 12% ABV RRP £9.95 fromTanners Wines

Assyrtiko 2019
Domaine Papagiannakos

Ripe fruit on the nose with notes of juicy melon and white peach. Generous fruit on the palate with hints of floral flavours, lots of personality and brilliant balance. 13% ABV RRP £14 fromCellar Selected

Bradshaw Sauvignon Blanc 2019
International Procurement and Logistics 

Grassy and fresh with lifted aromas of lemon, white fleshy fruit and hints of asparagus and wet slate. An energetically crisp palate of green fruits with zippy acidity. 12% ABV RRP £6.50 fromThe Dutchman

Temelion Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012
Lefkadia 

Development of exuberance with citrus and brioche. Gentle and persistent mousse. Palate focused with acidity and balanced out by fruit. Satisfying finish. 12.5% ABV RRP £17 enquire for availability with Wine Style

Hungaria 4 Extra Brut NV
Törley

Fragrant with notes of peach blossoms, tropical fruit and honeycomb on the nose. The palate is rich and fruit-driven with good length. 11.5% ABV n/a in UK


More Central & Eastern European recommendations:

• Assyrtiko, an alternative to Chablis
  
  
• Eastern European's indigenous grape varieties