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Turkish Wines |
Poised
on the border between Europe and Asia and arguably part of the cradle of
civilization, Turkey boasts a rich and ancient history ... and a key role
in the early history of wine. Then called Anatolia, Turkey was home to
cultivated vineyards and a commercial wine industry as far back as 6,000
years ago.
Producers are in areas of
the Marmara, Aegean Coast,
Northeast (Narince, Tokat), Southeast (Okuzgozu, Bogazkere), Gallipoli
(Bordeaux).
The best independent producer of wines in the country is Doluca. Situated
on the Sea of Marmara, the winery, which was founded in 1926, has three
major series - Villa Doluca, Villa Neva, and Doluca. The winery of
Kavakildere, located in Ankara but using grapes from all over the country,
is far larger and also produces several acceptable wines.
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White
Wine
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White Grapes
Narince
Sultaniye
Emir
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Doluca Sarafin
Sauvignon Blanc
The color is yellow and greenish and
it has a rich aroma evoking green apple, green plum and fresh green
spices. It is produced from the grapes of the Saros region. It is a
fruity, dry wine. Sarafın Sauvignon Blanc won silver medals at the
Vinalies Internationales competition in France in the years 2000 and
2002. It is best with any kind of seafood, Far Eastern and Indian
cuisine. It should be served at 8-10 degrees and can be stored for 2-3
years.
Sarafin Chardonnay
It has a deep straw color and a fruit
flavor peculiar to Chardonnay. Its strong body and acrid flavor make it
a perfect choice to drink alongside the main course. The Sarafin
Chardonnay '99 won the silver medal at the Vinalies Internationales
competition in France in 2001, the bronze and silver medals at Challenge
International du Vin in France in 2000 and 2001 respectively, the bronze
and silver medals at Chardonnay du Monde in France in 2002 and 2003
respectively and the gold medal at the Ljubljana Wine Competition in
2004. It is served at 8-10 degrees with main courses, spaghetti with
sauce, and fish. It can be stored for 5-6 years.
Kavakladere Angora
Kavakladere Cankaya
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Red Wine |
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Red Grapes
Kalecik Karasi
Bogazkere
Karasakiz
Okuzgozu
Calkarasi
Recommendations:
Melen Papa Karasi
Doluca Karma Cabernet
Turasan Seneler 1997
Kavaklidere 2002 "Yakut" Oküzgözü d'Elazig
Clear ruby in color, this Turkish red breathes pleasant if subdued
aromas of black plums and cherries with a smoky back note. Crisp
tart-cherry flavors are clean and fresh, simple but appealing, somewhat
Beaujolais-like in their simple, refreshing fruit. Nicely balanced, a
good food wine and a pleasant suprise from Turkey, an excellent buy at
this bargain-basement price.
Kavaklıdere Öküzgözü
The color is bright red and
rich. Kavaklıdere Öküzgözü is a dry wine with oak, fruit and spice
aromas. It is aged in oak barrels for 12 months and then the maturation
is followed for one year after bottling. It has cherry, blackberry,
raspberry and dried plum flavors. It was awarded the bronze medal at the
International Wine and Spirit Competition, England and the gold medal at
Ecologico Internazionale, Italy, in 2000. Grills, cheese varieties and
poultry are good companions to Öküzgözü. It is best served at 16-18
degrees.
Doluca Özel Kav
With a deep red color and produced from grapes grown in the Diyarbakır
and Elazıg regions, Özel Kav is delicious with aromas of carnation,
vanilla, damson and blackberry. It is produced with a well-balanced
blend of Boğazkere and Öküzgözü grapes. Harvested in 2000, it was
awarded with the gold medal at the Challenge International du Vin in
France in 2001 and with the silver medal at Mode Selection contest in
Belgium the same year. It is a fine accompaniment to meat, kebap,
lasagna, ravioli and tortellini when served at 16-20 degrees. Özel Kav
can be stored for 7-8 years.
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