Turkey's new champagne - 10th January 2024

Think of white sparkling wine, and for most people it's French champagne, Italian prosecco or Spanish cava. But a new wine's come out. "Yasasin" is from Turkey. It's made at the Vinkara Winery, close to Ankara.

Yasasin took first prize against French champagne in a competition for sparkling wines.

Vinkara was the first winery to start producing sparkling wine. Others have followed, and sales have increased.

Naze Sahin's the manager at Vinkara. She says the wine's a success because of the grapes. "Kalecik Karasi" grapes are used, which are a local fruit.

Naze Sahin: "This is an area of 85 hectares. In about 50-60 percent of it we grow Kalecik Karasi grapes. Our speciality as a company is focusing on local varieties."

Turkey's home to over 800 grape varieties. But the industry's growing for other reasons. For expert Burak Demirel, it's because money's coming from outside the industry.

Burak Demirel: "Since the beginning of the 2000s around 2005 - 2006, there have been positive developments in quality wine and sparkling wine production. New investors from outside the industry are entering the sector. It is an important factor."

More advertising, blogs and experts' reviews have helped. Sales are increasing, but last year only 30,000 litres of wine were sold outside Turkey. Turkey's Islamic government is unhappy with the alcohol business. It's raised taxes to stop people drinking.

Turkish wine production has grown three times in the last 15 years. Young wine producers are leading the way. Next New Year, it could be Yasasin that you celebrate with!