Kavaklidere Cotes d’Avanos Emir Might Change My Mind
If you know me, you probably know that I don’t like Kavaklidere. My dislike has nothing to do with its size; it being one of the largest (the largest?) wineries in Turkey. I don’t like the attitude. Then last autumn, the winery released a new wine: Kavaklidere Cotes d’Avanos Emir. And darn it all, it’s really good.
Cappadocia and Emir
Emir is THE grape of Cappadocia. While now found in pockets around Denizli in the Aegean, the purity and linear quality of Emir requires the high elevations and volcanic soils of Cappadocia. You can read more about the grape itself in my Get to Know the Grape: Emir post. Also check out this piece I did for The Vintner Project about the region! 
Some years ago, Kavaklidere opened its third winery, Cotes d’Avanos in the Cappadocia region about a half hour or so outside Göreme. The winery preceded to make Tempranillo, Chardonnay, and Narince out of the new facility. Even when I visited while doing research for my book there was no Emir there. Say what?? Kavaklidere does and has worked with Emir. Its sparkling wine Altın Köpük is Emir and there’s at least one Emir-blend in its line up. And yet. No Emir at its high-end, Cappadocia-based winery.
Until finally, there was.
Kavaklidere Cotes d’Avanos Emir, 2020
Emir can very in color a touch of course but for such a light and racy wine, I’m always taken aback by the depth of its color. Kavaklidere’s similarly showed a light and consistent golden color. The wine hitting the glass released a floodgate of mineral-laden lime blossom, freshly plucked tangerine, new stone fruit, and the beginnings of tropical fruit.
The roundness on the palate surprised me but it was nicely balanced with medium plus acidity. An explosion of pomelo, pink salt, and white fruit with a lingering floral backbreath tasted absolutely delightful.
I’ve had this now a couple few times. It’s a touch spendy (but again, what isn’t these days) but worth it.