Wines from Turkey? You bet! Turkey actually ranks fifth in the global area under vine, following Spain, France, Italy, and China. Turkey has about 7% of the world’s area of vineyards and produces 6.4% of the world’s grapes. Grapes are grown mostly for table grapes and raisins, however, with only a small percentage destined for wine production. Hopefully, this will change with time as the world discovers the wines of Turkey.
The Paşaeli winery is located in Kemalpaşa in the province of İzmir (think central Turkey along the west coast that joins with the Aegean Sea). The 2015 K2 was made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, with grapes sourced from the Serez vineyard in Kaynaklar, also in İzmir. Like the vineyards of Bordeaux, the Serez vineyard is stoney and gravelly, ideal for Bordeaux varietals.
The 2015 Paşaeli K2 opened with primary aromas and flavors of blackberry, black plum, black raspberry, and a vase of violets, roses, and other spring flowers. Secondary notes included white chocolate and smoky vanilla bean. Tertiary notes unfolded to wet leaves and cinnamon. This wine was dry, with medium (+) acidity, high alcohol, medium aroma and flavor intensity, medium (+) body, and medium (+) tannins. Surprisingly, the finish dropped shorter than expected at medium (-).
So fun to try a Turkish wine! More to come.
