Points : 8/10

80 TL at Dekante, Istiniye Park

It’s quite hot in Istanbul already and it’s time to have some rosé wine.

This one is pretty unusual as it’s made of 100% Pinot Meunier grapes.

Pinot Meunier is the lesser known of three grape varieties used to make champagne. As opposed to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir it’s rarely bottled as a single variety wine. Likya is the only winemaker in Turkey to grow and use this grape that way.

This wine displays an intense dark pink colour with a clear orange hue to it.

The nose is also very intense with aromas of strawberry, lime, pomegranate and a touch of fresh grassiness.

The mouthfeel combines a relatively low acidity with a touch of sweetness as well as a slightly salty finish.

On the palate it’s very fruity, even jammy with flavours of strawberry again, a zest of lime and some spicy notes (white pepper and peppermint).

It’s a fruity and vibrant rosé wine, warm and spicy yet refreshing.

A very unique rosé here in Turkey but also anywhere in the world.

Perfect with some BBQ on a hot summer day.