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Antioche Debuts Its Barburi Blanc

Way back when I first visited Antioche in Hatay, they told me that one of the grapes they grew was Barburi Blanc. I was already familiar with Barburi from their wines. Antioche uses it in two varietal dry wines, in a red blend, and as a semi-sweet wine. But Barburi Blanc?

Fast-forward several years now and the Barburi Blanc has arrived! This is no blanc de noir like the blanc de noir Papazkarası craze that’s hit the country. This is a white version of the Barburi that we know and love. It could also be your new favorite summer white.

Antioche Barburi Blanc de Blancs, 2021

Cool, pale lemon shot through with platinum highlights.

Lemon rind wrapped around nectarine on a bed of white tea wafted gently from the nose. Initially the delicate aromas hid behind that all too common wine mistake – serving it straight from the fridge. Yes, even I do that. This one wanted to warm up for a few minutes before we could properly enjoy the aromas and flavors. When it reached the right temperature (give it 10-15 minutes) we loved the white tea, nectarine, and stone flavors. Round and dry on the palate with a splash of lemony acidity.

A very nice afternoon sipper this. Would be a lovely accompaniment to a salad with a citrus dressing (possibly even my favorite peach burrata salad!). It did pair very well with raspberries of all things! That came as a big surprise, but an utterly delightful one.

I found my bottle at Mensis Mahzzen in Osmanbey, but Antioche wines are available in a number of stores. See if you can hunt down a bottle and let me know what you think of it!