2025 Pasaeli - Calkarasi Rose Seahorse Aegean (750ml)

Paşaeli was founded in 2000 by Seyit Karagözoğlu, a businessman from İzmir who had already spent years importing fine wine into Turkey before turning to production himself. Since day one he has championed the country's indigenous grape varieties, rescuing several from near extinction, and the winery's vineyards are spread across Thrace and the Aegean coast so each grape can express its own homeland. The name Paşaeli nods to the ancient city that once stood in the region, reflecting the estate's blend of modern winemaking with Turkey's deep viticultural history.

Seahorse is made entirely from Çalkarası, a red grape grown almost exclusively in the Çal district of Denizli in Turkey's Aegean region and prized for its powerful fruit and natural acidity. The grapes for this bottling come from a single vineyard sitting at high elevation, where warm days and cool nights help preserve freshness. Free-run juice is briefly kept on the skins before pressing, then fermented in stainless steel and left on fine lees for several months, with weekly stirring to build texture and complexity.

The wine pours a pale salmon color and opens with lifted aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and orange blossom. On the palate it is crisp and well balanced, with juicy red fruit carried by bright acidity through a clean finish. It pairs nicely with grilled shrimp, stuffed grape leaves, or a fresh tomato and feta salad.