A Journey of Discovery with Tasheli Patkara
Ali and Fatma Ay were enticed into moving to the Mersin area in their retirement. What enticed them, you might ask. The heat? The beaches? The beautiful Mediterranean water? Nope. Patkara. Local wine made with this little heard of grape seduced them into not only moving to the region, but opening a winery. And, largely thanks to their efforts, Patkara has re-emerged onto the Turkish wine market.
Patkara’s home vineyards sit high in the Taurus Mountains at a minimum of 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) with some vineyards reaching even greater heights. Limestone bedrock is studded with marine fossils and, in many places, has given way to karstic landscapes. Most Patkara vines are old, some exceeding 80 years of age, own-rooted, and dry-farmed bush vines.
We still know only a small amount about this grape’s potential, but with varietal wines and blends, reds and rosés, Tasheli is leading us on a beautiful journey of discovery.
Tasheli Patkara, 2022
A 100% Patkara, fermented and aged in small batch stainless steel tanks, the wine poured a medium opaque, bright, and clean ruby. A silky wine with a fruity-earthy character, with details of forest floor, carob, and vanilla framing a rich core of mulberry, plum, and pomegranate syrup. Ripe tannins carry bright forresty and sour cherry flavors to a medium finish. Friendly acidity and moderate alcohol at 13.7% ABV contribute to the wine’s overall medium body.
This is such a drinkable wine. It wants even just 10-15 minutes to open and allow you to fully appreciate the depth of flavors.
Tasheli Patkara Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, 2021
This blend from Tasheli combines a base of Patkara with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The deeply colored purple-ruby wine gives a more full-bodied expression and higher, riper alcohol (14%) thanks to the addition of Cabernet and Shiraz.
Lucious expressions of blackberry, plum, and cassis twined with aromas of eucalyptus, carob, red flowers, and forest underfloor. Ripe, round tannins and medium acidity carried juicy flavors of brighter, redder fruit with an underpinning of richness from a touch of oak influence.
Curious about Tasheli’s wines? You can check out all my reviews here!
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