Gülor Blend-B 2010
In 1993 Güler Sabancı of the Sabancı Group, established Gülor Winery in the fertile soils of Tekirdağ, part of Turkey’s Thracian region. Upon founding the winery, Sabancı sought the assistance of Professor Nicolas Vivas from the University of Bordeaux. Vivas directed all phases of production and winemaking until 2012, when seventh-generation winemaker Antoine Bastide d’Izar took over the reins.
Winemakers here often compare the terroir in this area of Thrace to that of Bordeaux. It is perhaps then not surprising that many of the vineyards here are planted with French varietals. Combine that with their French winemakers, it is no great shock that Gülor also cultivates French varietals. The vineyards in Tekirdağ are dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. In an added twist, Gülor is also one of the few wineries in Turkey cultivating Italian grapes including Sangiovese and Montepulciano.
This emphasis on international varieties in no way means that they ignore Turkey’s native grapes. Gülor also owns vineyards in Anatolia
and contracts with producers there for indigenous varieties like Öküzgözü in Hankendi, a town in the province of Elazığ in the northwest corner of the Euphrates River valley, and Boğazkere from Ergani on the right bank of the Tigris River in Diyarbakır.
Gülor Blend-B 2010 Tasting Notes
After that long introduction let’s dive into into! In addition to the Gülor Blend-B, the winery makes several different blends (Blend-B, Blend-T, Blend-N) but this is sadly the only one I’ve been able to lay hands on. However it is an appropriate wine to talk about given the information above. The Blend-B is a Bordeaux blend.
This medium-bodied wine (13.3% ABV) combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, aged for 12 months in oak, in a classic Bordeaux-style blend. This baby wants air so let it breathe for at least an hour before you drink. A little fore planning and patience will be rewarded when you can really enjoy the full affect of the aromas and bouquet here.
Aromas of blackberry and black cherry mingle with sweet baking spices, milk chocolate, and hints of black pepper. Soft tannins and racy acid support the tart fruit and sweet spice flavors which linger on the long finish.