While it draws on an ancient heritage, Türkiye’s wine scene is a refreshing blend of centuries-old traditions and modern, innovative techniques. Producers are free to experiment, planting international or indigenous grapes – of which over 60 are used in winemaking, and more are still being discovered – anywhere in the country’s vast and varied landscape. The diverse terroirs of the country’s seven regions, from Europe to Asia and the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, are also much-loved holiday destinations, leading the way in contemporary, experiential enotourism.
Türkiye is particularly proud of its indigenous red grapes, such as the famed Öküzgözü (‘bull’s eye’), the high-tannin Bo?azkere and Urla Karas?, which was recently rescued from the brink of extinction. White varieties to seek out include Emir, native to Cappadocia, and the versatile Narince.
The selection below of some of Türkiye’s highest-scoring wines from DWWA 2024 – including several Platinum medal-winners – is just a taste of the impressive quality and value that this ancient but very modern wine country has to offer.
Vineyards at Kavakl?dere’s prized Pendore winery
Kavakl?dere
Established in 1929, the family-run Kavakl?dere is one of the country’s oldest producers. Its 752ha of vineyards across Türkiye encapsulate a rich variety of grapes and terroirs, reflected in its award-winning wines. Its Côtes d’Avanos vineyards in Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, are planted to the native Emir grape, and its sites in Eastern Anatolia grow Öküzgözü. In addition, Kavakl?dere particularly prizes its Château-style Pendore winery on the Aegean coast, where the Mediterranean climate meets continental influences. Its vineyards here are planted to French varieties, showcased in its Harmonie cuvée. Since 2008, the winemaking team has been working with consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, crafting wines that introduce indigenous grapes and Turkish terroir to the international palate.
Pendore Harmonie 2021, 96
38% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah. Bewitching blue and black berry fruit perfume bursts onto the palate and is tempered by the elegant, smoky oak character and satin-smooth tannins.
Alc 14.5%
Prestige Öküzgözü 2021, 95
Deeply concentrated black and red cherry fruit are woven neatly into the well defined oak structure, with an enriching spicy tea note and a harmoniously long finish.
Alc 14%
Emir 2023, 91
Elegant and fresh aromatics of flowers, citrus fruits and underlying white peach structured by a saline, mineral character and crisp acidity.
Alc 12.5%
Discover more: kavaklidere.com
Kayra’s Dedeçe?me vineyards
Kayra
Kayra is renowned in Türkiye both as the producer of Buzbag, a historic wine that has become a beloved national institution, and as a restlessly experimental producer that continues to raise the country’s international profile. It produces its wines at both Elazi? winery in Eastern Anatolia and ?arköy Winery in Thrace. Wine production director Murat Üner and head of winemaking Özge Kaymaz Özkan are passionate about Türkiye’s native grapes, and focus on Öküzgüzü, Bo?azkere and Kalecik Karas?, as well their treasured old Karku? vines in the ??rnak region.
Vintage Öküzgözü 2021, 97
Entrancing blackberry, violet and herbal nuances pervade the subtle sheen of expansive oak and fine tannins, which float effortlessly across the palate like sheets of satin. Captivating and complex with a steely graphite finish. Sublime.
Alc 14%
Old Vine Semillon 2021, 90
Notes of hazelnuts, baked apples and lemon curd; impressive flavour intensity, revealing quince, lemon and hay. A great gastronomic wine, with a long vanilla finish.
Alc 13.3%
Vintage Narince 2022, 90
Dried ginger, flowers, peach blossom and honeysuckle – this is full, complex and powerful, with layers of spice and a floral finish.
Alc 13.8%
Discover more: meydiageo.com/en
Caeli Winery in the Gallipoli…
Source : https://www.decanter.com.master.public.keystone-prod-eks-euw1.futureplc.engineering/sponsored/wines-of-turkiye-award-winning-wines-from-an-ancient-wine-country-539392/
