2025 Pasaeli - Calkarasi Blanc de Noir Aegean (750ml)

Paşaeli was founded in 2000 by Seyit Karagözoğlu, who grew up in İzmir with a deep appreciation for agriculture and spent a decade importing fine wine before deciding to plant vineyards of his own. From the beginning he has focused on reviving Turkey's indigenous grape varieties, several of which had nearly disappeared from commercial production. The winery's holdings stretch from Thrace to the Aegean coast, with each site chosen to let a particular native grape express its own sense of place, and this Blanc de Noirs bottling turns that philosophy toward a red grape made to taste like a white.

Çalkarası is native to the Çal district of Denizli, and for this wine the grapes come from a single vineyard planted at roughly 950 meters, high enough to preserve natural acidity through warm growing seasons. The clusters are pressed whole and separated from their skins immediately, limiting color extraction so the juice runs pale despite coming from a red-skinned variety. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by a few months of aging on the fine lees to add texture and depth.

The finished wine shows a pale straw color with hints of gold and an aromatic bouquet of white flowers, red berries, and a touch of citrus zest. The palate is fresh and lively, with crisp apple and red berry flavors carried by vibrant acidity to a clean finish. It works well as an aperitif or alongside grilled calamari, a citrus fennel salad, or fresh burrata.