Peri by Kastro Tireli
I’ve been digging through older tasting notes, trying to pull out wines from wineries I’ve neglected, and stumbled across notes for the Kastro Tireli Peri. Based in Akhısar in the drier area of Turkey’s Aegean, Kastro Tireli has built a reputation as a high-quality red wine powerhouse. A well-deserved reputation at that. The award-winning wines include blends of both native and international grapes. It is also one of the few wineries in Turkey giving focus to Mourvedre; a grape that seems to really like the hot, semi-arid conditions of Akhısar.
Yes, some of the wineries top tier wines might price in as a little rich for some. But happily, at Kastro Tireli, high-quality does not always mean high prices. With mid-range wines like Karakaia, Alkaia, and Peri, this winery also offers some nice wines and more wallet-conscious prices.
Kastro Tireli Peri 2013 Tasting Notes
Peri blends together Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) with Syrah (40%) and Merlot (15 %); a pretty popular blend in Turkey. Oak-aged for 12 months, the resulting wine has a medium body with moderate alcohol (13% abv) and a richness that belied its mid-shelf positioning.
In the glass the Kastro Tireli Peri is a deep garnet with a wide, pale rim. Lots of big fruit aromas dominate the nose with sun-ripened raspberries leading the charge and highlighted by a sprinkle of sweet spices. Smooth and easy on the palate with carob and caramel flavors joining the fruit.