Wines in Turkey

x0x Wines in Turkey

  • Anatolia, in addition to being the cradle of ancient civilizations is also the birthplace of viticulture

ANKARA- Turkish Daily News

"Wish I were a fish in a bottle" says Orhan Veli Kanik, the popular Turkish poet who is famous for his love of two things; Istanbul and liqueurs.

Veli and his verses frequently spring to mind when the subject is Turkish wines.

Anatolia, in addition to being the cradle of ancient civilizations is also the birthplace of viticulture.

According to legend, the dizzying and relaxing effect of wine was first discovered when Noah's goat ate wild grapes on the slopes of Mt. Agri (Ararat) and got tipsy.

This was considered to be some sort of magic.

Since then the inhabitants of Anatolia have always enjoyed wining and dining.

It is believed that wine was first taken to Europe from the Aegean coast of Anatolia.

A grape loving society

Turkey holds fifth place in the world in terms of wine production. The soil and climatic conditions are favorable for cultivating grapes and each region has its own distinct flavor characteristics.

There are about 1,000 different kinds of wine grapes in Turkey, including domestic and foreign varieties.

Turkish wines from Pinot Noir, Carignane, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Cabarnet, Sauvignon, Semillion, Clairette, Riesling and Sylvaner cultivars are highly regarded by connoisseurs.

However, EU countries seem to prefer Turkish wines made from local grape varieties with a regional flavor.

Favorites are Papazkarasi (kara meaning "black"), Kalecikkarasi, Adakarasi, Hasandede, Narince, Emir and Buzbag.

The current trade has its origins in the 19th century when European vineyards were destroyed by disease and the Ottoman Empire supplied wine to European countries.

Most quality wines bear the name of the grape variety on the label. Wines from the Marmara region, Thrace and central Anatolia are considered to be the best Turkish varieties.

Thrace is the region most renowned for the special flavor of its grapes.

It is accepted that Turkish wines owe their special flavor to the natural characteristics of the soil in which the vines are planted. Vineyard owners try to avoid using synthetic fertilizers as much as possible in order to preserve the natural flavor of the fruit.

A great number of quality table wines are marketed under different brand names. Wines produced by the Turkish state monopoly (Tekel) have been awarded prizes at international wine fairs.

Grape products as appetizers

Turkish people have always considered grapes and raisins to be a valuable source of energy.

Sultanas (dried grapes), sira (fresh grape juice), pekmez (molasses) and pestil (pressed dried grape paste) are widely consumed in rural areas and are favorites of gourmets as well. They are available in speciality shops where appetizers such as dried fruits and nuts are sold.

A Brief History of Viticulture

The cultivation of grapes and the practice of wine making in Anatolia dates back to 4000 B.C.

What is believed to be the first vineyard was found by archaeologists excavating at the foot of the Mt. Agri (Ararat).

Evidence of the fermentation process was found in large jars discovered at the site. Similar evidence was also found in the vicinity of Ankara which was controlled by the Hittite civilization in

2000 B.C. These are the signs of the first wines to be produced in the world.

The grape-shaped wine cups and gold wine goblets and other objects found in the Hittite royal tombs in Alacahuyuk between Corum and Yozgat in central Anatolia prove that wine making was fairly developed at that time.

Indeed, it is said that the word "wine" originated from the Hittite word "wee-an" or "weanas" meaning wine.

Countless sealed amphorae which have been found in the sea contain traces of wine which over the centuries has turned into powder. These are displayed in the Bodrum Museum (Halicarnassus).

Scenes of grape harvests with musicians playing flutes are depicted on rock reliefs and paintings unearthed at various archaeological sites.

There are also scenes of the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, showing him with a flute in hand, an indication that he was the patron of music and dance.

What Turkish Wines Say About Themselves

Products of sunshine

Kavaklidere

Yakut, Cankaya and Lal wines produced by the Kavaklidere winery of Ankara are called "products of sunshine" and carry the slogan: "Let us introduce you to `the wine'. "

The 70-year-old winery also introduced wines and sparkling wines to the market for more selective customers.

"Why Doluca?"

On the other hand, the famous Doluca wines carry the unique and special flavor of the Marmara shores of southern Thrace, home of some of the world's best wine-grape varieties. The wines have the further distinction of being aged for many years in cool underground cellars.

Advertisements for Doluca wines state: "If you are a wine connoisseur, or just appreciate the good things of life, a pleasant surprise may be in store for you in Turkey, especially when you try some of the famous Doluca wines."

"Centuries of Quality"

Meanwhile, the wines from state producer Tekel, the biggest wine maker in Turkey and the holders of "best" awards at many international wine festivals, advertise their "Centuries of Quality" and say: "The knowledge and experience acquired through centuries of viticulture and wine making and the high quality of the grapes grown in Turkey have contributed to the excellence of Turkish wines."

Sipping from a silver cup

It is no wonder that the container in which the wine is offered means a lot to the wine lover. It distinguishes the flavor of the wine as well as enhancing the special fantasy of the person drinking.

While some like sipping their wine from fine crystal glasses others prefer silver cups and there are those who like earthenware jugs.

The archaeological finds on display in the Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations indicate how the fancies of people have varied since the Hittites and their contemporaries.

A golden goblet and pitcher found in the Hittite royal tombs dates back to 2000 B.C. The bull-shaped wine cups from 1350 B.C. and the grape-shaped wine cups from 1800 B.C. are other examples of such artistic fantasies.

These days people tend to sip their wine from fine crystal. One can find beautiful crystal wine and champagne glasses at the state run glassware industry Pasabahce stores throughout Turkey.

The ancient "magic" of Anatolian wines is still with us, so why not rediscover their special flavors on an evening of culture and socializing.

__________________________________________________________________ Copyright 2004, Turkish Daily News. This article is redistributed with permission for personal use of TRKNWS-L readers. No part of this article may be reproduced, further distributed or archived without the prior permission of the publisher. Contact: Turkish Daily News Online on the Internet World Wide Web.

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