Sevilen Yapıncak 2018
Yapıncak is arguably Turkey’s most up and coming native white grape right now. As a general champion of lesser-known Turkish grapes, Yapıncak has been part of Paşaeli’s collection for a while now. The winery features a simple (but elegant) Yapıncak, a skin contact amber that frustratingly I haven’t been able to get my hands on, and an ‘old vine’ (more on the in the future). Popular Gallipoli-based producer Suvla makes three wines with this grape as well: a simple table wine, a lovely oaked reserve, and a traditional method sparkling wine. Now mega producer Sevilen has joined the ranks.
Sevilen’s history with this grape is just that, a history. While the single varietal wine may be a new product, they’ve had Yapıncak vineyards for a number of decades now. So where has it been all these years? Buried in blends as a workhorse grape. It was not until recently that Sevilen realized the grape’s potential. For any number of reasons I’m so please they did because this is lovely wine.
Sevilen winemaker Sibel Çoban Ürentay not only made the wine, she also designed the label. The image pays homage to Sevilen’s
original architecture in the winery’s Mürefte vineyards along the Sea of Marmara. It’s here they grow the Yapıncak and Sibel wanted to capture that sense of place both in and on the bottle.
Sevilen Yapıncak 2018 Tasting Notes
The Sevilen Yapıncak began with a really pretty nose swirling with aromas of red apples, splashes of citrus, white flowers, and apple blossom. On the palate, bright acidity paired with a light-plus body and moderate alcohol (12% abv) made this a really easy drinking wine that edges into the “dangerously delicious” category. Flavors largely reflect the nose of this dry but pleasantly perfumed wine. There’s a hint of and almond bitterness in the front but that fades quickly into the apple orchard flavors.
Very pleasant wine to drink on its own but I could see it going very well with some light pork dishes.