Nif Bağları Viognier Narince
map from Nif Bağları click for larger image
Viognier Narince is not an unpopular blend in Turkey. I feel like the first I saw was probably from Kastro Tireli (which makes it as both a white and an amber wine). A couple few more have popped up since theirs. including (obviously otherwise what would be the point of the post?) Nif Bağları.
In addition to the blend, Nif makes a varietal Viognier and uses both grapes in its Aegean blend. However, I have yet to see/hear about a varietal Narince from them (hint hint!). What I do appreciate though, is that Nif is not bringing in its Narince from Tokat. The winery grows it (along with its Viognier) in its own vineyards in the inner Aegean.
While the Aegean is not Narince’s traditional home, the grape seems to adapt pretty well to different regions. People are growing it not only in the Aegean but also the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, and Thrace. So far the wines I’ve had from these different regions show that Narince can be a great terroir-expressive variety.
Nif Bağları Viognier Narince, 2020
The wine poured golden yellow and released rich fruit and floral aromas. Heavily ripe pear played with tangerine and peach brushed by delicate white petals and an elusive hint of saffron.
Medium-bodied with density and texture on the palate balanced by nice acidity and moderate (13%) alcohol.
Given my description, I wanted to like it a great deal more than I did. And while all those lovely aromas made it to the palate, they were only an echo of what the nose promised. However, while it sounds more interesting than it really ended up being, I will say that it’s a pretty good wine for the price point (more and more important here as alcohol prices increase monthly now).