Amadeus MMX Cuvee Blanche
On Turkey’s Bozcaada shelters several wineries from the strong winds that sweep across the island. A mix of native and international grapes grow here. Some on traditional goblet vines to help protect the grapes from the winds. Wineries have also used natural windbreakers on the island, such as lines of pine trees, that allow them to trellis grapes. One island winery, that uses these different methods to cultivate a mix of native and international grapes is Amadeus MMX.
When selecting varieties to plant, owner Oliver Gareis wanted to not only plant grapes he enjoyed, but that would do well on the island. After planting the local Vasilaki (in fact his is the best on the island in my opinion!); he looked to other island vineyards for inspiration. Garies found his inspiration in Croatia and Italy. He brought home vines of Zlahtina from the Croatian island, Krk and Grillo from Sicily. His varietal Zlahtina is a lovely summer sipper and his Grillo ageable, complex, and beautiful.
All three of these grapes join Sauvignon Blanc to make up his Amadeus MMX Cuvee Blanche.
Amadeus MMX Cuvee Blanche, 2017
Blending together four grapes, the Cuvee Blanche is made up of 40% Vasilaki, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Zlahtina, and 15% Grillo.
Alcohol: 11.9%
Color: pale, silvery lemon with no green
Nose: Not particularly intense, the aromas leaned light and delicate, with citrus, green apple, and pear blossoms
Palate: Light-bodied with low alcohol, a refreshing rarity in Turkey, the wine’s flavors largely reflected aromas detected on the nose. Fresh and pretty if not complex, the Cuvee Blanche was nonetheless oh so drinkable and brought back memories from Bozcaada. A great island and summer wine.
If you’re interested in reading about the winery’s other wines, check out my other reviews of Amadeus MMX wines!