My love of wine really started when I was a student. I used to spent alot of time with friends in Stellenbosch (a wine area in South Africa) visiting one winefarm after another. Tasting great wines and then ending up drinking our favorite bottle of wine next to the river with our picnic. We also had a alot of winemakers in our circle of friends and I spend numerous weekends partying on a friends winefarm, with an endless supply of wine. At Hotelschool where I studied, as part of my education I did local and international wine courses. This opened the world of wine to me!
The passion for wine has always been burning inside me. In Turkey my mission is to find a good bottle of wine at a good price. It is difficult as the tax on alcohol is so high in Turkey. Expats in Istanbul always ask me what wine I drink and what can I suggest.
Well, here is a few wines that I've been drinking lately. I discover new favourites every day, so this is only the beginning of a long list off Turkish wines I'm drinking.
Kavaklidere Brut
Köpüklü(Sparkling) You always need a bubbly in your fridge! And this one surprised me! It was fine, elegant and well balanced. Great for a Kir Royale or just to celebrate summer!
Suvla Blush Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
When I first tasted this wine, I fell in love. I'm not a big Rosé fan, but this Blush, I can drink everyday. It was like eating a bowl of Raspberries and Strawberries! The color is pretty and the wine is so perfect for these hot days. I think even if you don't drink wine, you will love this.
Suvla Merlot 2010
I'm a big fan of Suvla. You are always guaranteed to find a good wine with them. They have a big variety in their range, from White, to Rosé to Red. Including award winning wines with their Sur and Rosanne-Marsanne. They just opened their new shop in Nisantasi. Please visit the shop to see the beautiful display and also try their Kilye Natural food range.Güzelbahçe Sokak Tugrul Apartmani 33/3 (Valikonagi Caddesi), Istanbul
Suvla Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah/Merlot 2010
Arcadia Gri 2011
Sauvignon Gris/Pinot Gris
Arcadia is a new find for me. This is the type of everyday wine I enjoy. It reminds me of an Italian white, crisp and refreshing. Great price too! I just ordered 2 cases of this, because this will be my wine by the pool, wine by the BBQ, wine while I cook, wine with friends….you get my point. It is a everyday drinking wine.www.arcadiavineyards.com
Chamlija Istranja 2011 and Kirklareli 2011
Chamlija Chardonnays are international award winning wines. Both of the Istranca and Kirklareli Chardonnay 2011 received silver in Chardonnay du Monde and the International Wine Challenge 2013. I enjoy Chardonnay and especially this one from Chamlija as its not too woody. The owners daughter painted the art that they use on the bottle. Definitely a family business.www.chamlija-wine.com
Gali Evreshe 2010
Gali, another of my very favorite red wines of Turkey. The Evreshe is an amazing Bordeaux blend and for the price and quality, a type of red you order a case off to drink at home and give away as a gift. The label is stylish and elegant. The winery is only 3 hour drive from Istanbul. Great idea for a quick weekend in the Winelands of Turkey!
Gali Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2009 and 2010
www.gali.com.tr
Nodus Shiraz 2010
Nodus has been in my winerack since I arrived in Istanbul. I like Shiraz and this is a good example of a juicy, spicey Turkish Shiraz.
“Wine-making is the art of transmitting the features of the grape to the wine it will become in the best possible way.”
For a wonderful selection of Turkish wines, head to Kuruçesme. Next to the Bophorus you will find Incirli Saraphane. A wineshop that stocks almost all the wineries in Turkey's wines. It is a beautiful place where you can taste the wine and buy them at wholesale prices to take home. www.incirlisaraphane.com
All, I can say to all my expat friends…and Turkish friends, is to please buy local. Support the Turkish wine industry. You will find the right wine for you at a price that fits your budget. And if you don't think so, contact me and I will assist you and get you to taste good Turkish wines. [email protected]
