Wine production in the Izmir region benefits from the Aegean climate which prevails in this part of the Mediterranean. Enjoying long hot summers and mild winters, the vineyards are mainly established around 150 metres above sea level. With practically no rainfall in the summer, this altitude ensures the grapes benefit from moisture. On average, there are only about 80 days per annum when rain fails, mainly during the winter.
The soil varies from clay loam at the lower levels to chalk as you go higher. The different types of terroir suit different grape varieties better. The mix of international and indigenous grapes cultivated here include Alicante Bouchet, Boğazkere, Bornova Misketi, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Çalkarası, Çavuş, Dimrit, Grenache, Kalecik Karası, Karalahna, Kuntra, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Narince, Öküzgözü, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Sultaniye, Tempranillo, Vasilaki and Viognier.
We will look at some wines from the producer Sevilen. The company was founded in 1942 and today cultivates around 160 hectares. They have invested heavily over the years in their operations and today have one on the most up-to-date facilities and methods for making wines. They do not produce a rosé, so we will look at 2 reds and 2 white wines in their catalogue.
Red – Centum Syrah
NOSE: Moist tobacco, dark chocolate with dark fruit aromas.
PALATE: Big powerful flavours of blackberries, plums balanced with smokey and leathery notes plus hints of white pepper.
FOOD PAIRING: Braised beef, roasted venison and duck, strong flavoured hard cheeses.
SUMMARY: If you can get your hands on the 2011 or 2015 vintages, then you will pay £30+ a bottle. A good investment though if you love big red wines that pack a punch and are memorable. Do open a good hour before serving and decanting is advised.
Red – Gunay Kalecik Karası
NOSE: Redcurrant and rose aromatics
PALATE: Light red fruit flavours, soft tannins with hints of rose water
FOOD PAIRING: Simply grilled white meats, salads with egg or seafood, young soft cheeses
SUMMARY: Made from the local Kalecik Karası grape. Not a complex wine, which is reflected in its average bottle price of £10 to £12.
White – Majestik Sauvignon Sultaniye 2019
NOSE: Floral notes alongside flavours of green apple, grapefruit and some tropical hints
PALATE: Full bodied yet refreshing and round, with a crisp and balanced finish
FOOD PAIRING: Great on its own but also works with lightly smoked fish, caviar, fresh oysters or prawns and a rich paté.
SUMMARY: Made from a blend of 50%-50% Sauvignon and Sultaniye grapes. A pleasant refreshing wine. It has an alcohol content of 12.5%. Look to pay £12 to £15 a bottle.
White – Nativus Narince 2018
NOSE: Delicate floral and citrus notes
PALATE: Medium-bodied with flavours of white peaches and apricots balanced with bright acidity and a clean finish
FOOD PAIRING: Grilled chicken breast, sardines, squid, octopus as well as acidic cheese like Cheshire, halloumi and feta.
SUMMARY: Made from the local Narince grape. For a crisp dry white it is surprisingly weighty at 14% ABV. Merchants are offering bottles for £13 to £17.
