A Concentrated Turkish Wine

Kayra Wines produces wine under seven labels which have a long history in Turkish winemaking.  This modern winery was created in 2004 as a result of the privatization of Tekel, a 19th century tobacco and spirits monopoly.  It is owned by a private equity group and employs Daniel O’Donnell as the winemaker.  Daniel has a long and international background in the production of wine.  Since his beginnings at Ravenswood he has worked with major Californian clients, blended for Sweden’s Systembolaget, and advised on Bulgarian wines amongst other activities. Kayra has winemaking facilities in Elazig and Sarkoy.  The selection featured in this post are from the Kayra Vintage line which aims to reflect the unique conditions of each vintage.  This wine is produced from grapes sourced from Aydinck, Elazig.  Elazig is located in the eastern Anatolia where the continental climate provides cold winters followed by hot and dry summers.  It is vinified at production facilities which were first built in 1942 then significantly expanded in 1944.   The facility is dedicated to the production of red wine.

This was an interesting drink.  The dense and figgy dark fruit is easily matched by the barrel influences in a way that the wine is still drinkable right now.  I suspect this could benefit from a few years in the cellar. If I lived in Seattle I would buy a few bottles, one to try now with the rest for the cellar.  If you are a member of the Explorer’s Club at Wine World & Spirits you may receive up to a 15% discount on your purchases.  For $17 this is certainly a wine worth checking out. For another Turkish wine made from Okuzgozu check out my post on the 2010 Kavaklidere Winery, Yakut, Okuzgozu.

2009 Kayra Wines, Kayra Vintage, Okuzgozu, Single Vineyard, Elazig – $20
Imported by Martime Wine Trading Collective.  This wine is 100% Okuzgozu sourced from vines on gravelly soils of decomposed granite.  It underwent malolactic fermentation then was aged for 19 months in American oak.  The nose begins with concentrated aromas of raisin and fig but with air it dries up becoming fruitier.  In the mouth the dense flavors of fig and plum are not thick as the wine becomes lighter mid-palate.  With air there are strong, grainy, blue and black, inky fruit, which is lush at first but then tightens up over a few hours.  There are plenty of ripe, drying tannins which coat the mouth along with flavors of vanilla and Christmas spice.  The aftertaste leaves very dry, astringent tannins in the mouth.  ** Now-2019.

I Try A Wine Made From Okuzgozu and Bogazkere

Vintage Advertising, Image from Kavaklidere Winery

During my visit to Total Wine in Virginia I checked out the alternative selection of wines where I grabbed the sole Turkish selection.  I have been curious to try a Turkish wine for some time so I opened the bottle last night.  The wine started off very dry with closely played flavors and obvious acidity.  Within half an hour it opened up nicely to show attractive flavors, balance, and texture.  Both Jenn and I had an enjoyable time drinking this wine and recommend you try a bottle.  I will certainly try other wines from Kavakliedere.

Vineyard in Elazig, Image from Kavaklidere Winery

It turns out that Kavakliedere Winery is a well established winery founded in 1929 by Cenap And.  Today there are almost 600 hectares of vineyards located in five regions along with three substantial wineries.  These modern wineries employ stainless steel and French oak barrels.  This Yakut wine is part of the Classic series.  Included in the blend are the indigenous grapes Okuzgozu and Bogazkere.  Okuzgozu has a long history of use in wines and as a table grape.  With soft tannins, high acidity, and red fruit aromas it is used in both wines for drinking now or aging.  Bogazkere is considered a serious varietal with high tannin along with earthy and animal aromas.  This Okuzgozu used in this wine is sourced from the 23 hectare Elazig vineyards.  Located at 920 meters the continental climate is moderated by the nearby Kerban Dam Lake.  The red soils are composed of sand and clay loams with gravel.

2010 Kavaklidere Winery, Yakut, Okuzgozu d’Elazig, Ankara – $13
Imported by Stefano Selections.  This wine is a blend of Okuzgozu, Bogazkere, Carignan, and Alicante sourced from vineyards in Eastern Anatolia and the Aegean regions.  The nose was light with grapey aromas and powdery texture.  In the mouth the grapey flavors are of black fruits.  There is a softness which puts on weight in the middle with a touch of sweet fruit, juicy acidity, and decent texture.  The sweet tannins are drying with a powdery calcium mineral note in the finish.  This modern, clean wine is well made.  ** Now-2015.