The Grand Terroir tasting was music to the ears

Just imagine great conversation while you are exploring exciting new wines. Then imagine #EWBC's Grand Terroir tasting in Izmir, Turkey where the participants were introduced to wines from the Eastern Mediterranean countries of Turkey, Georgia, Lebanon, Egypt and Armenia. The event was lead by Tim Atkin MVW and Charles Metcalfe. The session was not only great for the palate but it was also music to the ears. Both Atkin and Metcalfe gave an exciting introduction to the wines being tasted. There was even some wine singing by Metcalfe.

The Grand Terroir Wine Tasting at #EWBC © Spaswinefood

My Grand Terroir Tasting Sheet © Spaswinefood

During the Grand Terroir tasting the wine lineup included:

The Grand Terroir Tasting lead by Atkins and Metcalfe © Spaswinefood

What the wines from the Eastern Mediterranean have in common is a rich wine history and unique geogaphy, or in essence a Grand Terroir.  Here are a few highlights.

Turkey

Turkey can be described as the "Heart of the Grand Terroir". Southeastern Anatolia grape origins date back to 9000BC. There are 800 genetically identified indigenous grapes known from this area. The Turkish wine industry has undergone rebirth in the last 20 years. The rebirth of Turkey's wine industry includes wines made from indigenous and international grapes.

We were introduced to two Turkish wines:
 1) Kavaklidere, Narince Chardonnay 2011 and
 2) Sevilen, Plato Kaleck Karasi 2011.

Sevilen, Plato Kaleck Karasi 2011(on left) © Spaswinefood

Sevilen, Plato Kaleck Karasi 2011 © Spaswinefood

Spaswinefood was not only able to taste these two awesome Turkish wines but many more during the #EWBC conference.

Georgia

Georgia has been described as the "Land of 3000 Vintages". Georgia has been making wine for 8,000 years. Grape seeds found in qvevris (clay pots buried underground for fermentation and storage) date back to 6,000BC. The most interesting aspect of Georgian wine is that wine is an intrinsic and living part of Georgia's cultural heritage. Georgia has documented 525 grape varieties. Two of the Georgian wines we tasted were:
1) Teliani Valley, Samshvenisi 2010, and 
2) Vinoterra, Saperavi 2009.

Vinoterra, Saperavi 2009 © Spaswinefood

Vinoterra, Saperavi 2009 © Spaswinefood

Spaswinefood was not only able to taste these two Georgian wines but I was most fortunate to go on the #EWBC post-conference trip to Georgia.

Lebanon

Lebanon Wines © Spaswinefood

Wine making in Lebanon dates back to 7000BC. Lebanese wine making today involves over 25 international and local grape varieties, with a production of over 7 million bottles. There are nearly 40 wineries primarily based in Bekaa Valley, with Batroun and Jezzine being the other wine regions. We tasted two Lenbanese wines:

1) Chateau Ka, Fleur de Ka 2006, and

2) Domaine des Tourelles, Marquis des Beys 2006.

Spaswinefood enjoyed tasting these two Lebanese wines and look forward to tasting more in the future.

Armenia

Areni is considered the quintessential wine growing region of Armenia. The use of clay amphorae for ageing is still being used in this region. While Armenia is still in the early stage of modern wine renaissance the country is beginning the development of international markets beyond Russia. We tasted one Armenina wine:

1) Zorah, Karasi 2010.

The introduction to this wine was captured on this video. Spaswinefood enjoyed tasting this Armenian wine and look forward to tasting more in the future.

Egypt

Egyptian wines have been called "Wines of the Desert". The history of Egyptian viniculture spans five millennia. Wine making in Egypt began in the ancient world. This knowledge was then pass onto the Greeks and Romans and the rest of the world. The Egyptian wine industry was nationalized in 1960's. Today its vineyards are around 4000 acres. There was one Egyptian wine listed to be tasted, a Kouroum of the Nile, Beausoliel 2011. Spaswinefood looks forward to tasting Egyptian wines in the future.

After the Grand Terroir tasting we had the opportunity to walk around and taste more wines from the above countries. 

The Grand Terroir was music to the ears © Spaswinefood

During the walk about after the Grand Terroir tasting two Kavaklidere wines that I got to taste were amongst my favorites.

Two awesome Kavaklidere wines © Spaswinefood

Yes, the Grand Terroir tasting was music to ears and food for a #winelover's soul. You will find more on my travels in Turkey and elsewhere at Spaswinefood, or in my travel column at the Examiner. 

Sharon

November 2012

Izmir, Turkey

© Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook