In episode 176 of The Drinking Hour podcast, host David Kermode is joined by Sarah Abbott MW and Isa Bal MS to discuss the wines of Turkey. Abbott and Bal were the co-chairs of a recent IWSC in-situ judging in Istanbul that saw more than 100 of the wines entered win medals and an impressive 20 achieve gold-medal standard.
The trio discuss the appeal of Turkey’s indigenous grapes and their characteristics, the experience many of the country’s winemakers already have with international varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and the styles of Turkish wine that are a match for modern tastes and trends. Bal highlights the topography of the Turkish wine regions and the range of altitudes, while Abbott emphasises the importance of long-term investment in the country’s vineyards and winemaking production, as well as the high level of interest in and knowledge of fine wine amongst Turkish drinkers.
The conversation ends with thoughts on the changing attitudes of critics to the wines of Turkey and what needs to happen next in order for the reputation of Turkish wine to continue growing internationally.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here
