Pasaeli, Old Vine Karasakiz Aegean 2021

Jancis Robinson
“Full bottle 1,349 g. 100% Karasakız, 100% old vines and 100% ambient yeast. Karasakız is native to north Kaz Dağları in the north Aegean region, close to the site of ancient Troy. In February 2019 they were able to purchase their favourite Karasakız vineyard – bush vines at least 35 years old. It seems to be a different clone of Karasakız with smaller and less dense clusters that give 'more concentrated, more tasty juice'. The vineyard is at 500 m with a gentle slope providing good drainage. It is facing south-south-east towards Kaz Dağları national park. Some green harvest to concentrate the fruit. Harvested 15 September. Fermentation was done with ambient yeast at 23 ºC for 4 weeks with pumping over as well as délestage. The wine was 81% barrel-aged for 7–8 months, 25% in new and 75% in 2- to 3-year-old French oak barrels, and the rest tank-aged. Total production was 1,600 bottles.
Light to mid ruby with pink rim like the regular 6N. The aroma here is still red-fruited but a little less obviously sweet-smelling, more tangy and elegant. Beautifully fragrant. The tannins are drier, too, extremely fine. A real bite of freshness on the finish. This has the charm of the regular 6N but goes up a notch in refinement. Long, too. I could imagine this with tuna or roast chicken. 17/20 points. (JH).”

Vinous Reverie Notes
Paşaeli is a family owned Turkish wine estate that was founded by Seyit Karagözoğlu in 2000. Seyit, who was born and raised in İzmir, appreciated the value of agriculture and made wine his passion at an early age. He planted vineyards and founded Paşaeli after a decade as a wine importer, as he felt the soil and climate of Turkey were ideal for growing high quality grapes. Indigenous varieties were planted in the Aegean region, such as Sultaniye, Yapıncak, Çalkarası, and this Karasakız. Karasakız vineyard is located in the north Aegean region, on the northern part of Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları), Çanakkale close to the site of ancient Troy. The vineyard is at an altitude of 550 meters. Cold winters and warm summers are characteristic of the climate. The soil is a blend of sand and clay. The vines are 35 years old on average, head-trained and sustainable farming procedures are applied to the vineyard. Tasting Notes: Concentrated with very elegant red fruits and beautifully fragrant. Firm yet fine tannins are a perfect match with freshness and spiciness on the finish. Food Pairings: Roasted eggplant or pasta with tomatoes and black olives.