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Becoming a Fan of Kuzubağ Rosé

 

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Over the winter I met some of the family behind new Çal-based winery, Kuzubağ. Historically, the wineries located on the Denizli-Çal plateau have produced more bulk, lower-quality wines. Kuzubağ is one of the new wineries here that want to change that image. One of the ways they’re doing it is to emphasize the local grape, Çalkarası. 

The winery’s vineyards sit at an elevation of 850 meters in clay-loam and calcareous soil. Given the elevation, there’s a great difference between day and night temperatures allowing grapes to ripen over a longer period while retaining their freshness. Here they grow not only Çalkarası, but also Kalecik Karası, Öküzgözü, Narince, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 

The winery opened to visitors this last summer and the facility looks beautiful. I haven’t had a chance to make it out there yet but look forward to being able to do so.

Kuzubağ currently makes seven wines and, spoiler alert, I have enjoyed all of them! I will tackle posting about them according to color grouping, beginning with the two rosés.

Kuzubağ Çal Karası Kalecik Karası, 2021

The first of their two rosés is a 50/50 blend of Çal Karası and Kalecik Karası made in the bleeding off (or salasso or saignee as you prefer) method. A brilliant and remarkably pale salmon in the glass swirling with savory top notes of thyme followed by geranium, mint, citrus, and just a touch of red fruit. The palate delivered more definite red berry fruits like tart cranberry, a burst of pink grapefruit scattered with mint leaves, and just a suggestion of bubble gum. I was not mad at that bubble gum. 

Very dry with bright acidity, a bit of palate weight, and enough alcohol at 13.8% abv to make it a dangerous wine. 

I really enjoyed this. Went out and bought myself several more bottles. 

Kuzubağ Öküzgözü, 2021

Also made in the bleeding off method, the second rosé is 100% Öküzgözü. More color than the previous (Öküzgözü has a higher anthocyanin count) it showed a very pretty, Easter pastel pink. Also a tad herbal on the nose but more fruit forward with red berries and white fruits that carried over the palate. Red currant, sour and golden cherries, laurel, and a thread of  savory/saltiness. 

This one felt less linear on the palate giving a rounder, silkier mouthfeel but with plenty of acidity to balance and slightly higher alcohol at 13.9%.

Of the two, I by far preferred the blend but, these being the first two of their wines I tried, was cautiously optimistic that Kuzubağ was off to a promising start! Keep your eye out for reviews of the other five wines to see if they continue the positive streak!