white grape · regional staple
Leánka
Transylvania, Romania
Say it
leh·ahn·kuh
The á is a long open vowel as in "father"; final a is short and back. Leánka is a simplified form of Leányka ("leh-AHN-yuh-kuh") — the palatal -ny- is dropped in common usage.
On the palate
elderflowerlemongreen applepearwhite peachapricot
How you spot it blind: delicate elderflower-and-acacia perfume on a gentle, fresh frame
The story
First written down · 15th century, Cotnari, Romania
A 2009 Hungarian DNA study confirmed Feteasca Alba is a parent of Feteasca Regala, crossed with Frâncușa, making it the grandparent of Romania's most-planted variety.
Where it lives
Cotnari, Romania · Transylvania, Romania · Republic of Moldova · Eger, Hungary
Shows up as
still whitesemi-sweetsparklingsweetCotnari
If you like this, try
Also answers to Fetească Albă (Hungarian).
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