2025 Pasaeli - House Red Aegean (750ml)

Pasaeli is a family-owned Turkish estate founded in 2000 by Seyit Karagözoğlu, an İzmir native who spent a decade importing fine wine before turning winemaker. Convinced Turkey’s soils and climate could yield excellent grapes, he planted Bordeaux varieties near İzmir and revived native Aegean grapes, releasing his first vintage in 2005. The winery is now known for bringing indigenous Turkish varieties to an international audience.

The 2025 Pasaeli House Red is a blend of 50% Karasakız, 35% Çalkarası and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, each from its own vineyard. Karasakız comes from bush vines more than 35 years old on sandy decomposed granite near Mount Ida. Çalkarası grows at 850 meters in Denizli’s Çal District, on iron-rich soils over limestone and clay, while the Cabernet comes from stony red clay south of İzmir. Grapes are hand harvested and fermented separately with indigenous yeast, then rest six months on fine lees in stainless steel.

Garnet in the glass, this lively red offers dark cherry, juicy red and black fruit, and a touch of baking spice, with earthy, savory undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with fresh acidity and soft tannins keeping the texture supple. Approachable and fruit-forward, it is made for enjoying young.