Your Guide to the Wines of Türkiye, Armenia, and Georgia - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club
Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.
Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.
What's in this month's Explorer's Club?
Welcome to the August edition of our Explorer’s Club! This month, we’re taking you on a journey through ancient winemaking world via the historic and culturally rich wine regions of Türkiye, Armenia, and Georgia. These countries, each with millennia of winemaking tradition, are home to indigenous grape varieties and unique winemaking techniques that result in exceptional and diverse wines. So, join us and let's dive into six remarkable wines that will transport you to the sun-soaked vineyards of the Caucasus and beyond.
Kisi is a grape that thrives in the sun-drenched vineyards of Kakheti, Georgia’s most renowned wine region. The 2023 vintage showcases the grape’s natural acidity and aromatic profile, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy wines with a bright and fresh character. The careful winemaking process embraces modern techniques to bring out the fresh varietal character in this distinctive grape.
Whether you’re savouring it on a warm summer day or pairing it with light dishes like seafood or salads, this kisi offers a delightful and enjoyable experience. It’s a wine that captures the spirit of Georgian winemaking and invites you to explore the flavours of this ancient land with every sip.
Next up is Turkey, a land of rich history and vibrant culture, where ancient winemaking traditions continue to thrive. And what better way to explore this heritage than with a glass of Pasaeli Şarköy Yapincak Limited Edition? This unique wine offers a taste of something truly special.
Crafted from the rare Yapincak grape, native to the Şarköy region, this wine is a delightful expression of Turkey’s diverse terroir. With a bright, golden hue, the wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe pear, quince, and a hint of white flowers. On the palate, it reveals crisp apple and citrus flavours, complemented by a subtle minerality and a refreshing acidity that lingers on the finish.
Yapincak is a grape that nearly vanished, but thanks to the dedication of producers like Pasaeli, it has been revived, capturing the essence of the coastal vineyards where it flourishes. The cool breezes from the Sea of Marmara temper the summer heat, creating the ideal environment for growing this rare grape and producing a wine that’s both intriguing and refreshing.
Pasaeli’s commitment to preserving Turkey’s indigenous grape varieties shines through in this limited edition wine, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to discover something new and exciting. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm afternoon or pairing it with a light seafood dish, Pasaeli Şarköy Yapincak promises a unique and memorable experience.
Now we visit Armenia, another country with a winemaking tradition that stretches back thousands of years. Among its ancient grape varieties, Voskehat stands out as a true gem, and ArmAs brings it to life in this exquisite example.
This wine is crafted from the indigenous Voskehat grape, often referred to as the “queen” of Armenian white grapes. The wine is a brilliant, pale gold colour, offering aromas that are as captivating as the landscapes from which it hails. Notes of ripe apricot, pear, and honeyed melon are layered with hints of wildflowers and a touch of spice. On the palate, the wine is rich yet refreshing, with flavours of stone fruit, citrus zest, and a delicate minerality that gives it an elegant finish.
Grown in the high-altitude vineyards of the Aragatsotn region, where the volcanic soil and abundant sunshine provide the perfect conditions for this ancient grape, this Voskehat embodies the spirit of Armenia's winemaking heritage. The unique terroir imparts a distinct character to the wine, making each sip a journey through the history and heart of this storied land.
Next we jump back over to Georgia where the ancient art of winemaking is preserved in every bottle. One such treasure is Chelti's Khikhvi Qvevri, a wine that embodies the centuries-old tradition of fermenting wine in clay vessels called Qvevri.
This remarkable wine is made from the Khikhvi grape, an indigenous variety that thrives in Georgia's Kakheti region. The wine is a striking amber colour, a result of the traditional Qvevri methodwhere the grapes are fermented and matured on the skins which gives it a unique colour, depth, and complexity. On the nose, it offers aromas of dried apricots, saffron, honey, orange peel, and subtle notes of nuts and spices. The palate is equally intriguing, with flavours of ripe peach, quince, and a touch of earthiness, balanced by a vibrant acidity and a long, textured finish.
Fermented and aged in Qvevri, buried underground as they have been for thousands of years, this wine carries with it the essence of Georgia’s ancient winemaking techniques. The clay vessels allow the wine to breathe and develop, resulting in a rich, layered profile that is both rustic and refined.
Sticking with Chelti Winery, we can open our first red of the box, Saperavi - a bold and distinctive red, and Chelti are specialists of this legendary grape and helping it to achieve its potential.
This deep, ruby-coloured wine is a true expression of the Kakheti region’s terroir. The nose is rich and inviting, with aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with hints of black pepper and spice. On the palate, the wine is robust without being too powerful, offering layers of ripe black fruit, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice, all wrapped in velvety tannins that lead to a long, satisfying finish.
Saperavi is known for its intensity and depth, and Chelti’s 2021 vintage showcases these qualities beautifully while still remaining very approachable and easy drinking. Grown in the sun-soaked vineyards of eastern Georgia’s, this wine reflects the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. The winemaking process carefully preserves the grape’s natural character while allowing the wine to develop complexity and elegance.
Whether you’re enjoying it alongside a hearty meal of grilled meats or simply sipping it on a cool evening, Chelti Saperavi 2021 offers a rich and memorable experience. It’s a wine that not only tells the story of Georgia’s winemaking heritage but also invites you enjoy every moment.
Now back to Turkey, where the ancient vines of Thrace yield some of the country’s most intriguing wines. Chamlija Kara Sevda 'Blind Love' Papaskarasi 2019 is a captivating expression of the Papaskarasi grape, offering a taste that is both unique and unforgettable.
This wine, with its deep garnet hue, draws you in with aromas of dark cherry, pomegranate, and black currant, accented by notes of dried herbs, clove, and a subtle hint of smokiness. On the palate, it is elegantly structured, with juicy red and black fruit flavours mingling with earthy undertones and a touch of spice. The tannins are silky yet firm, giving the wine a graceful finish that lingers long after the last sip.
Papaskarasi is an indigenous grape that thrives in the Thracian terroir, where the warm days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for developing its complex character. Chamlija’s Kara Sevda, which translates to "Blind Love," beautifully captures the essence of this ancient variety which is a testament to Chamlija’s dedication to crafting wines that are both expressive and true to their origins.
