FINE Wine & Champagne India - Winter 2018

Wine philosophy
The Turkish Republic decreed in 1927 that the government
monopoly would take control of the production of all
alcoholic beverages – but private production of wine and
vineyard development was permitted – with a view to
protect and develop the local wine industry.
The cellar at the Çirağan Palace – inspired by the Ottoman
patronage – stores treasures from around the world for
their well-heeled guests – from vintage champagne to
first growth Bordeaux from exceptional vintages. Not
unexpectedly, though.
Extremely proud of the many millenniums of wine-making
in Turkey, Director of Food & Beverage Marie Grosyeux,
believes that it is critical to be respectful of the local
culture and showcase local wines. Turkish wines may
not be very popular in the city, but this didn’t deter the
Çirağan from taking the lead to create a focus on this
novelty category – 77 references from white to red to rose
to sweet… and 9 wines by the glass! Doluca Tugra Okuzgozu 2015
Region Denizli.
Sevilen Premium Chardonnay
2014
Region Sevilentepe, Menderes.
Varietal Chardonnay.
Appearance Light golden yellow.
Nose Subtle. Ananas. Hints of vanilla.
Palate Buttery. Creamy. Citrusy.
Finish Dry. Full. Good acidity.
When to drink Now.
Ageing 12 months.
Verdict Exotic.
Sarafin Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
Region Saroz.
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon.
Appearance Dark violet.
Nose Cherries and carnations.
Palate Tightly textured. Nuances of bitter
chocolate.
Finish Intense. Layers open up. Appreciable
tannins.
When to drink Now to 2025.
Ageing 14 months.
Barrels 225 litre French.
Alcohol 14.5%
Verdict Bold and beautiful.
Varietal Öküzgözü.
Appearance Deep ruby with a purple rim.
Nose Closed and shy. Fruity.
Palate Menthol. Dark fruits. Strong and
fleshy. Soft tannins.
Finish Medium bodied. Well balanced. Good
length.
When to drink Now to 2022.
Ageing 5 months on lees and 7 months
without lees.
Barrels 70% French and 30% American.
Alcohol 14.96%
Verdict An excellent expression of the
varietal.
Sarafin Merlot 2016
Region Saroz.
Varietal Merlot.
Appearance Dark ruby.
Nose Complex. Nuances of vanilla.
Palate Black fruits. Hint of spice.
Finish Soft. Lightly oaky. Long.
When to drink Now to 2022.
Ageing 12 months.
Barrels 225 litres French.
Verdict Plumpish.
Karma Shiraz Bogazkere 2014
Region Denizli and Diyarbakir.
Varietal Shiraz and Bogazkere.
Appearance Deep ruby with bluish tinges.
Nose Fruity. Hints of tobacco.
Palate Fruit forward. Puckery tannins.
Finish Jammy. Vibrant acidity. Powerful.
Lasting.
When to drink Now to 2022.
Ageing 8 months.
Barrels French and American.
Verdict Immaculate.
120 FINE WINE & CHAMPAGNE INDIA