Kayra Versus Chardonnay Viognier
I stumbled across Kayra’s Versus Viognier some years ago in a charming Greek fish restaurant here in Istanbul. Despite the recent surge of Viognier’s popularity in Turkey, Kayra’s remains my favorite.
Kayra uses Viognier not only in a varietal wine but also in several blends. The Rhone-like Versus Syrah Viognier is one of my very favorite red wines in Turkey. The Versus line has a third Viognier wine; this one a Chardonnay-driven blend. I’ve seen this one around 
quite a lot but have avoided it for years now. Literally for years. To my own detriment it seems!
Kayra Versus Chardonnay Viognier 2013 Tasting Notes
The wine was an intense lemon color on the pour, releasing tropical and secondary aromas. Swirling revealed juicy pineapple, white flowers, vanilla, lightly toasted hazelnuts, and blonde caramel.
Despite my fears that I would find something to the contrary, the oak here was nicely integrated and supported rather than overwhelmed character of the wine. Apricot and floral flavors transitioned into nutty caramel and a smooth, silky finish. Creamy with a rounded acid on the palate and 14% alcohol all made for a well-balanced, full-bodied wine.
My dislike of oaky Chardonnay kept me away from this for quite some time. As a result, I missed out on the Kayra Versus Chardonnay Viognier. Sad for me because it is certainly a nicely made, elegant wine.