Seeing the Different Faces of Papazkarası in Arda Gala
When Arda Bağcılık first started producing wines, it focused on international grape varieties like Cabernet and Shiraz. The family-run wine has slowly been introducing native grapes. First Narince, and now the last few years, Papazkarası. Arda seems to have found its grape in Papazkarası making not one wine with it, but four.
The Papazkarası series, called Gala, takes its name from the Gala Gölü (Gala Lake), close to the Aegean and near the Turkey-Greece border. Located some 170 kilometers from the winery, this is where the winery sources its Papazkarası grapes. The series includes a blanc de noir, two rosés, and a red blend.
Arda Gala Blanc de Noir Papazkarası, 2020
You can see right away that this is a blanc de noir from its color. In the glass the wine looks a veeeeery pale peach. Aromas of lemon, unripe stone fruit, and apple unwound from the glass. 
A hint of weight and broadness on the palate accompanied flavors of ripe lemon (like the kind you’d just full on eat) and mouth-puckering lemon salt. Simple, uncomplicated with 12% abv and a medium – body.
Arda Gala Roze Papazkarası Gamay, 2020
Made via the saignée or bleeding off method, this rosé was blended wit Gamay. The result, a darker rosé of brilliant ruby. Spicy and interesting nose! Blood orange and crushed cranberries highlighted by pink pepper and thyme.
Round with medium acidity and alcohol (12% abv). Flavors of cherry hard candy, orange pith, thyme, and pomegranate leaf. Not my personal favorite rosé, but interesting.
Arda Gala Rosé Papazkarası, 2020
The other rosé in the series is a 100% Papazkarası also made via the saignée method with early harvest grapes. The previous wine must have got all its color from the Gamay because this one is a pretty, pale ballerina-salmon pink.
Not especially aromatic with the nose hinting at cranberries and herbs. On the palate, okay acidity, moderate alcohol at 12% abv, overall on the light side. A splash of pink grapefruit and a surprising SALTY flavor. 
Arda Papazkarası Cabernet, 2020
Like the first rosé, Arda’s red Papazkarası is also a blend. Not with Gamay but with Cabernet Sauvignon.
It poured a brilliant bright ruby, not at all opaque. Really a very pretty color. Initially the nose kind of hot one in the face with oaky syrup. Thankfully some swirling settled that down to reveal jammy mulberry and plums, nutmeg, a touch of vanilla, and heirloom roses.
On the palate, silky with spicy plum fruit and notes of cedar. A decent table red.