Yedi Bilgeler Pythagoras Reserve 2014
Yedi Bilgeler (also known as 7Bilgeler) is one of my absolute favorite Turkish wineries. Due in large part to this wine, the Pythagoras. I previously reviewed the 2013 and now it’s time for the 2014. But before we get to the wine, the winery!
The Seven Sages
I recently had the great fortune to visit Yedi Bilgeler with my good friend and writing partner, Istanbites. We were privileged enough to spend time there with founder and owner Bilge Yamen. Bilge bey became interested in wine while at university. He was interested in history and philosophy and how wine played such a huge role in both. He believes that history, philosophy, and jazz are like wine: complex. Which explains why he hosts a jazz concert every Saturday evening. The winery’s name also ties in his love of history and philosophy. Yedi Bilgeler means ‘the seven sages’ .
The seven sages: Lasos (left), Chilon, Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, Solon, Bias, and Thales
First, to give you an idea of exactly where in Turkey all this is taking place, Yedi Bilgeler is located in the same region where these seven sages were born, lived, drank wine and introduced their philosophy to the world. The winery sits near the Aegean, only a handful of kilometers from the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus.
It is perhaps then no surprise that this area is the epicenter of the sages. A century after Hesiodos (750-650 BC), the first moralists, known as the Seven Sages, laid the foundations of Greek philosophy. It is hard to say that they were the first philosophers but with their aphorisms they started what became later known as philosophy. In fact they acted as moral rule makers in a time when Greece was experiencing moral decadence due to financial and social problems.
Yedi Bilgeler Winery
While originally from Kars, Bilge bey has always loved the Selçuk/Kuşadası area, believing it to look similar to Tuscany. After extensive soil research to ensure the area was right for grape cultivation he bought land and began to build his dream. He opened the winery with assistance from French oenologist Jean Luc Colin. Yedi Bilgeler now has seven vintages. While Bilge bey still works with a consulting oenologist (now Antoine Bastide D’Izard) he believes that they now know their vines and grapes and can predict pretty well what future vintages will be like.
This knowledge is especially important for his Pythagoras and Bias Priene blends. They are never made in the same year. The blends are (roughly) the same but the Phythagoras is more structured and muscular whereas the Bias is more elegant and feminine.
Given Bilge bey’s love of Tuscany when he decided to include a hotel and restaurant he created a striking Tuscan-style villa. The hotel includes both rooms in the villa and small apartments on the other side of the vineyard.
Yedi Bilgeler is a friend of slow food which is reflected in the restaurant kitchen. In addition to sourcing local products they also make dishes that are modern twists on old regional recipes. The restaurant also hosts jazz concerts every Saturday night.
Yedi Bilgeler Pythagoras Reserve 2014 Tasting Notes
The Pythagoras Reserve 2014 is a blend of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. Ageable for about 15 years but more than enjoyable now. At first you see the relatively low alcohol level (13.3%) and think this will be a medium-bodied wine. But it punches way above its weight.
The nose is like cocoa-covered, deeply spiced blue fruits. The more it has a chance to breathe the more secondary and tertiary aromas make themselves known with earth and tobacco. No less seductive is the perfectly balanced palate. Tannins are initially slightly chewy but some air turns them into pure velvet. Flavors of blue and black fruits, spices, cocoa powder, and tobacco harmonize nicely with the aromas.