A sparkling wine made with Turkey's indigenous varieties is being introduced to the domestic market and drawing attention. Vinkara's "Yasasin Classic 2021" (Yasasin White Brut) is used as the opening wine at a two-star Michelin restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.
The product is a sparkling wine based on the indigenous variety Kalecik Karası grown in the Kalecik region near Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Kalecik has a winemaking and grape-growing tradition spanning about 4,000 years, and its altitude, climate, and soil combine to create a distinctive terroir (grape-growing environment).
Yasasin Classic 2021 is one of the first sparkling wines in Turkey produced using the traditional method, the same as Champagne, "Méthode Traditionnelle." After secondary fermentation in the bottle, it aged on the lees for at least two years to deepen its flavors. After aging, processes including remuage and dégorgement were used to achieve a clear, refined texture.
Made in a Blanc de Noirs style from Kalecik Karası, it features bright citrus notes with complex aromas including almond and grapefruit. On the palate, it is noted for fresh acidity, a balanced structure, and a long finish.
The product name "Yasasin" carries the meaning in Turkish of "hurrah, let's celebrate life." It expresses the spirit of festivity and sharing associated with sparkling wine culture.
Yasasin Classic 2021 is used as the opening wine at two two-star Michelin restaurants in Turkey, including "Turk Fatih Tutak" in Istanbul and "Vino Locale Urla" in Izmir. It is also sold at numerous one-star restaurants.