Turkish sparkling wine wins gold - 10th January 2024

"Yasasin", a Turkish wine, has entered the market of sparkling wines. It's a market which is filled with varieties like French champagne, Italian prosecco and Spanish cava. The Turkish drink is produced just an hour away from Ankara, at the Vinkara Winery.

In 2020, Yasasin came first in a sparkling wine contest, ahead of the local French champagne. Vinkara was the first centre to start producing sparkling wine with the champagne method. Other wineries have since done the same and production has risen sharply.

According to Vinkara manager Naze Sahin, what's important for Yasasin’s success is the use of "Kalecik Karasi", a local grape.

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."

While Turkey has 800 grape varieties on its soil, something else has been important for growth. Expert Burak Demirel says businesses from outside the wine industry have invested money.

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."

As marketing, blogs and expert reviews have grown, so has demand. However, last year, only 30,000 litres of Turkish wine were exported. The main issue has been Turkey's Islamic government. It hopes to decrease demand by increasing taxes and laws on drinking.

The Turkish wine industry was a third of its current size 15 years ago. Young, expert wine producers know they're onto a good thing. Next New Year, Yasasin could be your party drink!