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December 2014

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  This week we’re talking about the 2013 Suvla Kabatepe white. Sadly, they’re not producing any more of this so what is in stock is what is left. Kabatepe is Suvla’s lowest-price wine range and the best wines you can get in Turkey for under 25TL. Like the red, the white is a super blend: Kınalı Yapıncak 47%, Chardonnay 17%, Sauvignon Blanc 15%, Semillon 10%, and a blend of Roussanne and Marsanne makes up the last 11%. Right out of the bottle it was interesting with its bright straw yellow color and green hues. The nose was dry and little floral. I was really surprised by the flavor which was sweeter

  In addition to the its already overwhelming selection of excellent wine; Suvla also produces a series called Kabatepe-a table red, white, blush, and rose. If the Suvla Kabatepe red, which we’re reviewing today, is an indication of the complete series then Suvla has done the impossible…produced an under 20TL wine that is GOOD! Garnet in color with a fruity and slightly spicy nose, the 2012 is a busy blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 47%, Merlot 21%, Syrah 21%, Petit Verdot 8%, and Cabernet Franc 3%; with a flavor profile indicative of the three most dominant grapes. Juicy, slightly acidic with light tannins and hints of raspberry and pepper, this wine is consistent

  This week we’re diverting from Suvla. Largely because I saw a bottle of wine at Carrefour last week that I don’t recall having seen before. The Kutman Ipsala Gamay – Cabernet from 2005. Gamay is about the only wine for which I will forgive the French. In fact I was fairly well set on making France a parking lot for Europe or giving it to Germany after I take over the world; but my friend L pleaded for it. She gets France and Ireland and my interference in her rule will be minimal. Ish. But I digress. At 38TL the Kutman Ipsala is right around the price point I have

  Last week I went to the Suvla shop in Cihangir for a bottle of Sur, completely forgetting that there were two. When I was stumped by which one to try the shop suggested getting both Suvla Surs to do a side-by-side comparison. Never one to turn down a good opportunity to drink yet more wine I happily accepted the proposal and bought both. Suvla makes two Surs, one a 2011 and the other a 2010. Both are blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot (although in different percentages). Let’s begin, as I did, with the 2011. Suvla Sur 2011 Tasting Notes A dense garnet red the nose of

  It’s December and yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent which means that it’s officially time to start playing Christmas movies and music and, more importantly, start drinking Gluehwein! Which for me means that it no longer matters that Turkish wine generally isn’t good. Also luckily, good wine is neither needed nor recommended for Gluehwein so for the first time I bought a bottle of the cheapest wine (10 TL / 5 USD) on offer here: Sava; specifically the Sava Çalkarası Merlot. And while I meant it from the beginning for Gluehwein I thought I’d make a proper tasting of it before adding tons of sugar. Everything has at least one