Richard gave us one of
his trademark entertaining and off-the-beaten track evenings
presenting Turkish Wines.It is in fact the 8th time he has presented to us over the years.
Many Turkish wineries
are moving towards the more standard grape varieties – Cab Sauv,
Sauv Blanc etc. However Richard (quite rightly IMO) chose to stick
with indigenous Turkish varieties
Wines:
Sparkling:
Kavaklidere Altin Kopuk
NV. 13.8% £11.99 – Grape: Emir Grape
White
Kavaklidere Cankaya
2018. 13.5% £8.99. - Grapes: Emir, Narince, Sultaniye
Diren Collection Series
Narince 2018. 13.5% £9.99
Vinkara Narince 2018.
14% £13.85
Red
Diren Collection
Series. Kalecik Karasi 2017. 13.5% £9.99. Grape: Kalecik Karasi
Doluca Kav 2016. 14.5%
£13.49. Grape: Bogazkere, Okuzgozu
Kayra Buzbag Reserve
2013 13.5% £16.99. Grape: Bogazkere, Okuzgozu
Dessert
Diren Mahlep 18% £11.99
(50cl) Grapes: Bogazkere, Okuzgozu , with Infusion of Mahlep (Wild
Cherry kernels)
The fizz had mixed
responses – I liked it, with that biscuitty taste of decent fizzes,
but others complained of an aftertaste.
The whites – quality
came with price. The Cankaya – which is the most popular in Turkey
is pretty lightweight – clean, fresh, but not a lot to it. The
first Narince was pretty decent, a step above, but the Vinkara has
loads of character and a thoroughly decent wine.
The reds – The
Kalecik Karasi is a pretty light red, sometimes called the Turkish
Beaujolais. The Doluca Kav was probably the best of the evening – a
full bodied, well rounded red, definitely worth a try. The Kayra was
quite tannic and needs time.
The Last wine – the
Mahlep – is “unusual” - a dessert wine infused with Wild Cherry
kernels. Some liked it, I didn't. If you want something different,
this is different!!
All the wines are
available from Taste Turkey – www.tasteturkey.net
