NARINCE 2013Tried Turkish wines yet? If not, you should at least once if not more this season. I tasted Turkish wines a few years ago and wasn’t sure how I felt about them, until I recently tried Vinkara Winery wines at the Marmara Park Avenue Hotel. The hotel is stunning with incredible views of Midtown Manhattan. The Penthouse is a duplex with a wrap around patio you can have the most perfect party on; I truly recommend it.

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A glass of the Kaleick Karasi and the view at the Marmara Hotel!

Vinkara Winery Founder Ardic Gürsel was there to showcase her Narince and Kalecik Karasi grape varietals. The varietals may be hard to pronounce…but after a glass or two you will be a pro! I must say, I was wildly impressed with these wines as the 2013 Narince and 2012 Narince Reserve were both fruit forward, vibrant and extremely well balanced. I fell in love with the 2013 to be completely honest. The bright tropical fruit, balanced acidity and clean finish really was perfect out on the patio at the Marmara hotel. The whites are bright and floral and perfect for a spring and summer day. To enjoy them in fall and winter, I would pair them with some nice creamy cheeses with quince jam, or a fall favorite like sweet potato croquettes! The Kalecik Karasi grape varietals were also fun. These red grapes struck you with notes of wild berries, black cherry, some spice and oak. Violets came through on the 2013, where the 2011 Reserve struck me with more pepper and cherry; they are both extremely beautiful! These reds would be exquisite with a fall meal like short ribs over mashed butternut squash, or a simple crimini mushroom risotto.

Try giving Turkish wines a try sometime, I guarantee Vinkara will win your palate!