Solera Bornova Misketi
Solera is my favorite wine bar in Istanbul. Frankly it’s the only real wine bar in Istanbul. The staff here are friendly, largely knowledgeable about wine, and have wine service more or less down. Putting them head and shoulders above even many of the high-
end restaurants and hotels whose staff have no clue.
Owner Süleyman Er approaches wine differently than many restaurant owners. For him, wine isn’t a business, it’s his life. Süleyman doesn’t just own Solera, he also has his own vineyards in Tekirdağ. Twenty years ago while working in the restaurant business he fell in love with wine. After studying to become a sommelier he traveled extensively learning about wine around the world. In 2011 he founded Solera the wine bar and in 2013 planted his vineyards (of the same name). Last fall he harvested his first vintage and hopes to build a winery that offers people the chance to visit, learn about wine, and gather the tea and herbs also grown on site.
While we’re all still waiting excitedly for his red wines, especially his Cabernet Franc, I’ve fallen in love with his Bornova Misketi. Especially when combined with that view of Istanbul from my friend’s terrace; how could it NOT be love?
Solera Bornova Misketi 2018 Tasting Notes
From my first of the Solera Bornova Misketi I was not only in love but ready to declare this my favorite Bornova Misketi. I’ve drunk this a couple few times since that first sip (it was on the by the glass menu at the wine bar until he ran out) and I have not changed my mind about it. 
In the nose it began with many of the hallmarks of this grape: orange blossom and hints of rose followed by citrus and fruit. Following the more popular trend of the last couple years, Er made his Bornova Misketi dry rather than sweet. So while offering a highly perfumed nose, residual sugar is not only not detectable, it’s practically in deficit. Er’s wine is arguably the driest of its kind I’ve had. The wine has that bone dry finish displayed by quality Rieslings while still offering delicate flavors of pear, flowers, and grapefruit peel. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish.
Er is in the middle of his 2019 harvest as we speak and I’m so excited for the new vintage of this wine. Especially because, per our conversation last night, he only has three or four bottles of the 2018 left!