Tomurcukbağ Trajan Boğazkere Wines
Professor Dr. Y. Sabit Ağaoğlu entered the world of wine through his study (and eventual resurrection) of the Kalecik Karası grape. However, that is not the only grape he works with in his Central Anatolian vineyards. He also cultivates the Eastern Anatolian grape Boğazkere for his Tomurcukbağ Trajan Boğazkere and Kalecik Karası Boğazkere blend wines.
Like his Trajan Rezerv, Ağaoğlu’s Boğazkere and Kalecik Karası Boğazkere blend are made naturally with spontaneous fermentation, no filtration, and no oak ageing.
Tomurcukbağ Trajan Boğazkere 2012 Tasting Notes
Boğazkere, widely though of as Turkey’s most tannic and full-bodied grape, often results in wines that are anywhere from assertive to aggressive. Honestly there’s not a lot of space between those. However, Ağaoğlu manages to tease out a softer version of the grape for his 100% Boğazkere.
Mulberry, black currant leaf, and hints of clove and nutmeg swirl elegantly out of the glass. Sipping revealed an initial rasp of tannin but nothing close to mouth-coating tannins we usually see from this grape. Without those tannins numbing my tongue I was able to enjoy the flavors (reflective of the nose), the odd but not unpleasant ashy finish, and firm acidity.
Silkier and more elegant than the usual wines from this grape, the moderate alcohol (12.4% abv) made it really easy to enjoy.
Tomurcukbağ Trajan Kalecik Karası Boğazkere 2012 Tasting Notes
Kalecik Karası and Boğazkere are not natural blending partners. It’s unusual to find them together. But Ağaoğlu makes it work in this wine.
Lots of crunchy black and sour cherries burst from the nose with spicy streaks of nutmeg and pink pepper, all underscored by old leather. A big pow of tart juicy acid hit me on the first sip. Cherries, leather, and wintergreen accompanied silky tannins for mouthwatering, fresh fresh flavors.
One of the things I appreciate so much about Tomurcukbağ’s wines is how Ağaoğlu manages to keep down the alcohol levels. Turkish wine, especially the reds, often run towards high alcohol. Like the Boğazkere above and his 100% Kalecik Karası wines, this blend also has a moderate alcohol level at 12.7% abv.