Perdix Bornova Misketi
Summer is waning away here in Istanbul. While the forecast promises warmer days again, we’re currently experiencing temperature drops and overcast skies. So while we still have intermittent sun I will continue to enjoy summer white wines. For me, the best Turkish summer wines often come from the Bornova Misketi grape.
For a while I thought I’d exhausted all the examples of Bornova Misketi. But then I found Perdix. Perdix is a newly opened winery in the Aegean growing region and a newcomer to the Urla Bağ Yolu (Urla Wine Route). I have not yet had the chance to visit but going by the winery’s Instagram page, they have a beautiful set up. I cannot wait to get out there. Especially if the Bornova Misekti indicates the general quality of their wines!
Perdix Bornova Misketi, 2018
Very pale lemon with subtle green highlights on the pour, I think I’d have known this was a Bornova Misketi but the aromas along. Old fashioned white rose, orange blossom, and delicate white peach aromas-often hallmarks of Bornova Misketi-were joined on the nose by smoked grapefruit peel. The bouquet was delicate. Not to say that the wine lacked aroma or character, but that it was delicate in the way a ballerina is.
People tend to be a little afraid of this grape. Its previous reputation for producing only cloyingly sweet wines have put off many. I continue to encourage people to try these dry wines. What once was a trend to make dry Bornova Misketi is now the norm. Finding a sweet Bornova Misketi wine now presents a small challenge!
The Perdix Bornova Misketi was decidedly dry with medium plus acidity. Moderate alcohol at only 12.5% abv combined with the lightness of body made this a delightful sipping wine. If only I’d got some earlier in the season! Flavors of Meyer lemon, white peach, and white nectarine were joined by just a hint of rose perfume and slid into a musky back breath on the finish.
This whole summer I have delighted in loading my salads with fruit. Why I only just started doing this is a mystery. All the missed opportunities! This wine I paired with a salad of mixed greens, red onions, white peaches, local semi-hard goat cheese, and a spicy peach-chipotle dressing. Lovely.