Garova Öküzgözü Blush
Last summer, Istanbites and I visited Garova Vineyards and I wrote about a couple of the red wines the winery produces. Now it’s time to tackle the Garova Öküzgözü blush.
Nestled in a bowl-like cradle in mountainous Bodrum and nearly lost in the riotous greenery of the surrounding agriculture grow vines of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Shiraz, and Zinfandel. This is Garova Vineyards. While winery owner Mehmet Vuran grows the four aforementioned grapes onsite; he brings in Öküzgözü from the Denizli district of Izmir. He believes the more moderate climate there a better 
for Öküzgözü than the heat of Bodrum. I very much enjoy the Bodrum-grown Öküzgözü wines I’ve had. However, Vuran is chasing a lighter style of wine than the meaty and savory wines Bodrum grapes produce. A style he’s managed to achieve for both his red and blush Öküzgözü.
Garova Öküzgözü Blush 2017 Tasting Notes
Very intense pink, closer to a pale red really, Garova’s blush highlights why Öküzgözü makes such great pink wines. Its red fruit profile, high acidity, and medium to low tannins result in friendly and easy to drink rosés that pair well with food. In this case, fresh and fruity aromas filled the nose with smashed berries, cucumber, fresh herbs, and rose petals.
Sipping revealed lively acidity and a bone dry palate with flavors reflective of the nose. Medium-low body with 13.5% abv and something of a short finish. Overall not a lot of complexity but as nice easy and refreshing rosé this wasn’t bad!