Your October 2022 Turkish Wine Horoscope
Happy autumn! I’m so glad we’re in cooler weather now. It’s almost time to break out the cozy sweaters and remember where I stored all my socks. It’s also time that I get back to drinking red wine. Speaking of which…October is #MerlotMe month. That means that there’s no guessing what your Turkish wine horoscopes hold. This month, it’s all about Merlot!
Which – as long as you’re drinking good Merlot *see the recommendations below!* really is not so bad.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Get ahead of problems before they blow up in your face this month. In all likelihood, you will have to gird your loins and initiate some uncomfortable conversations. However disagreeable it may be, as long as you present a diplomatic argument, you’ll be able to clear the air and avoid bigger future issues.
Speaking of the future, this October is a great month for you to push toward your future aspirations.
The wine for you …
This winery knows about aspirations. When they first opened, nearby Edirne was largely a raki and beer drinking town. Not that they don’t still drink those, but Arda is proud that about half its production sells locally now. The winery has a heavy emphasis on international grapes and makes two different varietal Merlot wines. This month, try the Arda Kuşlu Merlot. Just a kiss of oak on the wine keeps it fresh and fruity and very food friendly for all your favorite autumn dishes.
Find it at La Cave, Mensis Mahzen, Rind, Santé Wine & More, Solera, and elsewhere.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Hopefully you paid attention to last month’s advice to take control over your environment and how you allow it to affect you. If you did, then your hard work there will pay off this month with a boost to your resilience and self-esteem. Through moments of quiet reflection and stillness, the healing you seek will find you.
On the work side of your life, try collaboration instead of competition this month! Rather than trying to “beat” someone else at something, reach out to people who inspire you.
The wine for you …
Büyülübağ makes two wild ferment wines, a Cabernet and Merlot! Bright red fruit flavors with a streak of minerality from the granite soils on Avşa give this Merlot a different profile than the ones you’re used to.
Trickier to get your hands on this one, but look for it at İyi Şarap, Macro Center, Mensis Mahzen, and Vinus
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries, spend October learning how to balance being able to express yourself freely without needing the last word all the time. Take note of when your need to be right or even to be heard causes prolonged arguments, resentments, or hurt feelings that just aren’t worth the point you scored.
Also make some time this month to allow yourself room to make or deepen connections with new/the people in your life.
The wine for you …
Likya might not be the first name you think of when Merlot comes to mind (I may have actually forgot that they make Merlot). Nonetheless, it is one of the many grapes in the winery’s stable. Grown high in the cool climate above Elmalı, the Likya Merlot shows a more restrained and elegant profile than the plushy fruit bombs most of us know.
Happily for all of us, Likya wines are pretty widely available so you’ll have decent luck finding this at Dekante, La Cave, Mensis Mahzen, Rind, possibly Macro Center, etc.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You’re running a little in parallel with Aries this month. You need to work on finding a way to win an argument/get across your point without agitating yourself. Watch out for people who know your buttons and intentionally try to get a rise out of you.
Try to not be so stubborn and let go of things.
The wine for you …
Chateau Nuzun made its name with its eponymous blend but also makes a range of varietal wines. Including, obviously, Merlot. All of Chateau Nuzun’s wines are gorgeous and the Merlot is no exception. Bold and rich, this is definitely a wine you’ll want to enjoy with a cozy, autumnal meal.
Look for it at Dekante, Macro Center, Mensis Mahzen, Rind, and elsewhere.
Gemini (May 20 – June 20)
October is setting up to be a super active month for you socially and at work.
On the social side you’ll see yourself being the one this month to make plans with your friends and put them all into action. New projects at work (or at home!) will excite you this month and inspire you to take on new activities and challenges.
The wine for you …
Gordias Merlot was one of the first Merlot wines in Turkey that captured me and I hope it will you too! Vibrant, juicy, peppery, and with that earthy tang that seems to be Canan’s signature across all her wines. This is a Merlot you don’t want to miss!
Find it at Solera, maybe Grape Wine Boutique, ask Mensis Mahzen to order it for you!
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Get ready for the spotlight this month, Cancer. Sudden attention drawn to your public or professional life may unearth insecurities surrounding your self-worth. Don’t let that happen! If you’re receiving accolades, it means that what you’ve done has been well-received and people appreciate your efforts.
Use the good energy generated by this to pour your passion into a new project or even an exciting new romance as the month progresses.
The wine for you …
Made by the talented and lovely Işıl Bulutsuz, the Uçmakdere Firuze Merlot briefly aged in oak to add depth to the bright fruit flavors. Işıl is not a huge fan of oak and her light touch gives the wine just enough complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Uçmakdere wines aren’t super easy to find. Mensis Mahzen often carries them, Grape Wine Boutique, possibly Casa Botti…
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
October will bring some turbulence to Leo’s life. Similar to Taurus, avoid arguments with people who are determined to pick apart what you say. Stand up for what you believe in but remember that you don’t need to prove your knowledge to anyone – especially not the aforementioned people.
Luckily, October will also give you the persistence you need to face its challenges. So will some wine. And speaking of which…
The wine for you …
Not a winery that comes up a lot, but the Feyzi Kutman Merlot was one of the first of this variety to make me sit up and take notice! Created by Adnan Kutman in memory of his father who started the winery, it’s a well-crafted wine from a winery that we should possibly be drinking more of!
It might not come up a lot but it’s not really that hard to find. Try for it at Carrefour, Macro Center, possibly Mensis Mahzen, etc.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Building off last month, October will take you a step further along your path of self-growth. Be on the lookout for a dramatic event towards the beginning of the month that will indicate however much time you spent last month on healing may not have been enough.
As you throw yourself more deeply into your self-discovery journey your path and the truths around will will become more and more clear. However excited you are by your discoveries though, rushing to share them may not go down well with others. Everyone discovers at their own pace and when they need to do so. Sharing what you’ve learned might pre-empt someone’s ability to reach and appreciate these things on their own.
The wine for you …
A lot of us think of Umurbey in terms of Sauvignon Blanc. Which drives the actual Umur bey nuts. He makes a number of red wines including both a Cab-Merlot blend and a Merlot. The Umurbey Merlot is plush and rich and a great reason to buy more than just Sauvignon Blanc!
Available at İyi Şarap, Mensis Mahzen, likely also larger grocery chains like Carrefour, Macro Center/Migros.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Exciting relationship development for Libra this month! For those of you who are in a relationship that it. October brings you to the precipice of a step that could see you taking things to the next level. Don’t let your insecurities interfere with what feels right in your heart.
Elsewise this month, Libras will be feeling more ambitious and driven to achieve your goals. Unfortunately, feelings don’t immediately translate into actions. You may have to address your deep-rooted fears of losing the things you have worked hard to attain.
The wine for you …
There’s no going wrong with any wines from Saranta, including the Saranta Chateau Murou Merlot with its silky texture, black fruits, and lingering spicy finish. Saranta also makes a less robust version of Merlot (bottled simply under ‘Saranta’) if that’s more your speed but I think you’ll thank me for suggesting you try the Chateay Murou.
Get it from Casa Botti, İyi Şarap, Mensis Mahzen, and elsehwere.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 22)
Time to tuck away that stinger on your tail and play well with others. You may need to adjust your attitude and behavior this month so that those in your circle don’t misinterpret your passion for being bossy or critical.
Come October 23, Scorpio season will begin, putting you directly in the spotlight. Learn to reach out for support when you need it instead of suffering in silence — people want to be there for you!
The wine for you …
If you like lovely, elegant, and rich red wines then you will love the Gürbüz Merlot. In fact anything he makes is brilliant (especially his reds). The Merlot has complex layers of coffee, fresh and dried fruits, and spice. A beautiful wine that you can drink now or age for a few years.
Find it at Dekante, İyi Şarap, Mensis Mahzen, and Rind.
Sagittarius (November 23 – December 22)
Ufff. Not a great month for Sagittarius. You’re going to want a couple bottles of whatever I suggest, I think.
Let’s start with those of you in a relationship. Any longing you’ve been feeling for more freedom or independence needs to be addressed with whomever you’re dating/your partner. If that (likely hard) conversation doesn’t restore the balance you need, it may be time to make the hard decision and say goodbye.
Outside of that, October will challenge you to address suppressed feelings or resentment toward people who have hurt, annoyed, or betrayed you. Moving on will require you to stop rehashing the past.
The wine for you …
7Bilgeler has recently (and finally imo) started producing wines with native grapes. However, much of the emphasis, and quality focus, still rests with the French varieties. 7Bilgeler’s Bias Priene Merlot will set you back a little bit so have a think on it before you make the leap but the winery usually delivers so you’re probably safe.
Look at Dekante, Grape Wine Boutique, İyi Şarap, Mensis Mahzen, and Rind for this one.
Capricorn (December 23 – January 19)
October is a bit all over for you, Capricorn. On the one hand, confront any feelings or impediments in your life that have blocked your happiness. Use that to make internal changes to influence your external reality.
On the other hand, for those Capricons with big goals on your mind, you’ll feel a bigger push this month to make those happen. Don’t get caught up in holding yourself to rigid deadlines and take offers of help when they come.
The wine for you …
Barbare Nötr is one of the various “natural” wines available in Turkey. As much as I can’t roll my eyes hard enough at this whole “natural” movement, Barbare makes solid wines.
Also if you’ve ever wanted a wine that goes well with salty deviled eggs…this is your wine!
Find it at Dekante, La Cave, and Mensis Mahzen.