We are taking another trip to a Mediterranean country, Turkey, a country with 8,000 years of grape cultivation. There are 500 native grape varietals – 34 indigenous white grapes and 41 indigenous red grapes. Turkey has 81 provinces with vines planted in most. It is an understatement to say the history of Turkey can be read through their grape varieties.
The selected wines are produced by Pasaeli which was founded by Seyit Karagözoğlu whose winemaking is influenced by Italian consultant Andrea Paoletti. Paşaeli is a pioneering Turkish winery focused on rediscovering and championing indigenous grape varieties that were at risk of disappearing from Anatolian vineyards. Working across five vineyard regions from Thrace to Denizli, the estate cultivates rare varieties like Yapıncak, Karasakız, Çakal, and Çal Karası alongside better-known indigenous grapes.
As an introduction to Turkish varieties we selected 2025 Pasaeli Thrace Yapincak, a white that is 100% Yapincak (pronounced Yap-in-jack) grown in the Aegean region. This wine has a rich aroma, distinctive and crisp palate of citrus with nice body. The red selection is 2025 Pasaeli House Red, blend of Karasakis (50%), Calkarasi (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%.) This dry, light bodied wine I imagine as truly a house wine in Turkish bistros. It needs to be served chilled. I was a bit disappointed on my first taste, but I gave it another try and decided it would appeal to those who like a fresh, light, fruit-forward red. It would actually make a great summer Sangria! We have “hits” and some “misses.” This one may be on your “miss” list.
2025 Pasaeli Yapincak, Turkey $21
This wine is very pale gold in color. It has a highly distinctive aroma, both rich and tangy with intense lemon, a hint of clementine plus a more oily minerality and quince.There is lovely citrus on the palate – bright and crisp and full in the mouth with decent acidity and minerality. A good summer white with food or on its own. Alcohol: 12%
2025 Pasaeli House Red, Turkey $15
This wine is a fresh, fruit-forward ode to the bistros of Istanbul and beyond. It has inviting aromas of dark cherries and light baking spices. A blend of Karasakiz, Cabernet and Calkarasi. The wine is light-bodied, offering savory notes of juicy black fruit and light tannins. Serve lightly chilled. Alcohol: 13.5%
