2022 Pasaeli House Red Aegean

Paşaeli is a family-owned Turkish winery founded in 2000 by Seyit Karagözoğlu, an İzmir native who turned to winemaking after a decade spent importing wine into Turkey. Believing the country's soils and climate had real potential for quality grape growing, he planted a mix of indigenous varieties and classic Bordeaux grapes across the Aegean region near İzmir. The estate now works with Italian consultant Andrea Paoletti and has become known internationally for wines that highlight Turkey's deep, largely overlooked catalog of native grapes.

This blend combines Karasakız, a native red variety also known as Kuntra, with Cabernet Sauvignon and a small portion of Çalkarası, another indigenous grape from the Çal district near Denizli. Each variety is sourced from its own distinct pocket of the Aegean's varied terroir and fermented separately using native yeast before being blended together. The approach lets Karasakız's soft, juicy character and Çalkarası's brightness come through alongside the structure and dark fruit that Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to the finished wine.

The result is a fresh, fruit-forward red with red cherry, cranberry, and baking spice on the nose, backed by soft, approachable tannins on the finish. Medium-bodied and easy to drink, it works well slightly chilled. It pairs nicely with grilled meat skewers, roasted eggplant with haloumi, or a simple pasta with tomatoes and olives.