Akın Gürbüz and Misket
Akın Gürbüz grew up among grape vines. In his childhood he worked the harvest in his family’s vineyards. They did not make wine but sold the grapes to some of Turkey’s larger wineries. It was not until later in life that Gürbüz developed a love for wine. It was an introduction that not only began a love affair with wine but that would put him on his path.
After studying at UC Davis, working in California and News Zealand-based wineries, Tekirdağ-based winery Barbare brought him back to Turkey. Working at Barbare opened a new chapter for Gürbüz. He became a winemaking consultant for some of Turkey’s premiere boutique and small production wineries. However, soon consulting was not enough for him so he founded his own winery in 2015. He currently produces about 20,000 bottles a year, most of which he sells directly from his tasting room and 
restaurant. Gürbüz made his first wines with Sauvignon Blanc, Misket, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz; but each year brings new opportunities and changes to work with different grapes. Last year he released Kalecik Karası and Karalahana. Soon we will see Papazkarası and Cabernet Franc wines from him.
Gürbüz Winery Misket 2017 Tasting Notes
The grapes for the Gürbüz Winery Misket come from an area of Tekirdağ called Çınarlı. Breezes from the Sea of Marmara help regulate temperatures here and allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness without the loss of acidity. An especially important note for this grape variety. Gürbüz’s Misket showcases this highly aromatic grape in a low-alcohol (11.5%) bone dry style while retaining its natural tension.
The brilliant, medium lemon color of the wine seems almost subdued when compared to the showiness of the nose with its citrus fruits, pomelo and orange peel, white rose petals, and fresh herbs. Similar to the nose, the palate was fresh and perfumed with bright spritzy citrus fruit, rose water, and bay leaf flavors.
Clean, balanced, and far to easy to drink!