Arcadia, the Odrysian Kingdom, Ritons, and Wine

 

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I recently had the chance to re-visit Arcadia Bağları in Thrace with US importer, Fine Turkish Wine. Not that I don’t always enjoy visiting Arcadia (or any other winery), but when you’re with a buyer, wow does the carpet get rolled out for you!

After breakfast, we did a marathon tasting with Arcadia founder Zeynep who generously opened so many wines for us to try. I’ll post reviews for everything eventually (especially the new Mahiada wines!), but first, lets dive into the Arcadia Odrysia line. 

Arcadia Bağları 

Arcadia Vineyards is a father–daughter dream brought to life in Lüleburgaz, once known as Arcadiapolis—an apt setting for their “earthly paradise.” Inspired by Zeynep Arca’s early love of wine and her desire to work with soil, she and her father Ozcan turned shared late-night visions of a perfect bottle into reality. After extensive soil studies guided by viticulturist Alain Carbonneau, they established a sustainably farmed 200-hectare estate producing terroir-driven wines from both native and international grapes. Since their first vintage in 2009, Arcadia has grown to include the Bakucha Hotel and Spa, gourmet dining, sparkling wine production, and even privately owned micro-estates cared for by Arcadia’s agricultural team.

I learned some interesting things during the visit. From previous talks with Zeynep, I knew that Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot had been grown in Turkey (in what is now Istanbul no less!) since about the 17th Century. It turns out that her grandfather owned two such vineyards around Erenköy in the 1910s-30s! So, wine was in her blood before she even knew it! 

Odrysia

Zeynep is eliminating Arcadia’s “Mono” label, but, never fear! The wines themselves aren’t being eliminated. Rather, she’s elevating the wines to the “Odrysia” label.

Named for the ancient Thracian state that existed here from the 5th century BC to the late 1st century BC, each label features a riton. ‘Riton’ or ‘rhyton’ is the general name for ancient vessels shaped like horns, animal heads, or [animal] bodies. Often (but not always) used in religious ceremonies, ritons were used as drinking vessels. Commonly made from terracotta they usually featured eagles, bulls, horses, deer, dogs, foxes, and roosters. Each riton on the Odrysia label is based on an actual vessel that has been unearthed by archaeologists.

Odrysia Narince, 2022

I’ve had this wine any number of times. It’s truly one of my favorite Narince wines. Aged on the fine lees in stainless steel and in French oak barrels for about nine months. 

“The magic in the wine is the phenolics that come from the vineyard,” – Zeynep Arca Şalliel

A nose of quince, golden apple, citrus and flowers followed by intense and concentrated flavors of kumquat, loquat, and apricot jam with lingering neroli. Round and full-bodied with vibrant acidity. 

Odrysia Sauvignon Gris, 2024

Another thing being eliminated is the Odrysia Gris – a blend of Sauvignon Gris with just a splash of Pinot Gris. Instead, we’ll be getting varietal wines from both wines! We got a nice look at these two new wines joining the Odrysia label series.

Arcadia hasn’t done a varietal Sauvignon Gris in years. I haven’t had it since the 2010 vintage! Sauvignon Gris is a pink-berried mutation of Sauvignon Blanc. It is not, if you wondered, a common grape in Turkey. Of Sauvignon Blanc we have a seemingly never ending supply. But only Arcadia grows Sauvignon Gris.

A voluptuous nose with ripe tropical fruits and orange creamsicle decorated with flowers and aromatic herbs. The palate was a WOW surprise after how wide the nose seemed. Riesling-like, super high and limey acidity! Very dry, lots of citrus, and a long finish. I agree with Zeynep, this sucker will age well. Not that I’m going to do that. The bottle I bought is already in my wine fridge.

If you’re interested in this grape, don’t forget to check out Arcadia’s Sauvignon Gris Pét-Nat!

Odrysia Pinot Gris, 2024

Like the Odrysia Sauvignon Gris, Arcadia hasn’t done a varietal Odrysia Pinot Gris for a long time (2012 was the last vintage I saw). Also like the Sauvignon Gris, Pinot Gris is a rarity in Turkey. I’m relatively sure that, again, only Arcadia is cultivating it.

Perfumed on the nose but not Traminer-level perfumed. Warm citrus and peach blossom top notes. Nice acidity, clean, notes of maybe green papaya on the palate along with the stone fruit and citrus. Generally much closer in style and flavor profile to the Alsace than to the generic Pinot Grigios of the Veneto.

Odrysia Merlot, 2023

A 100% Merlot, this is still quite young. Enjoyable now, but I think the tannins need a little more time to integrate. Ripe and juicy fruits dusted with baking spices. Bright acidity with fruit flavors that slide into a chocolatey finish. 

Even for people who don’t love Merlot, this is quite enjoyable.

Odrysia Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023

Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged about 12 months in oak, this is a classic, bold Cabernet.

Lots of in your face currant, blackberry, and black cherry notes surrounded by spice and pepper. Sipping revealed a full-bodied wine with big – but not grippy – tannins, ripe fruit and chocolate, with a savory licorice finish.

Odrysia Blend, 2022

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged +/- eight months in multi-use oak. 

Medium-bodied with cocoa-dusted black fruits, violets, spice, and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with layered flavors of fruit wrapped around dried mint, sprinkled with brown spices. 

Look out soon for more reviews of what Zeynep shared with us! But, in the meantime, check out all my previous reviews of Arcadia’s wines.