Turkish wines are just beginning to make their existence known in the world, with an array of flavorful reds, whites, and rose options. Burçak Desombre, wine coach and owner of Vinipedia Wine Consultancy, knows this better than anyone and compiled a list of the best Turkish wines as a guide for enthusiasts and beginners alike.

TOP 7 TURKISH WHITES | Compiled by Burçak Desombre

1. Kavaklıdere, Côtes d’Avanos, Narince/Chardonnay, Cappadocia 2010

2. Vinolus Chardonnay, Kayseri 2009

3. Umurbey Sauvignon Blanc, Tekirdağ 2009

4. Paflaeli, Kolorko, Tekirdağ 2010

5. Sevilen 900, Fumé Blanc, Aegea 2010

6. Arcadia Sauvignon Blanc 2010

7. Doluca Serafin Sauvignon Blanc, Mürefte 2010

TOP 7 TURKISH RED WINES

1. Barbare Elegance, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre, Thrace Valley 2007

2. Tomurcukbağ, Trajan Reserve, Kalecik Karası, Kalecik 2009

3. Kavaklıdere, Pendore, Syrah, Manisa 2009

4. Urla Tempus Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Boğazkere-Petit Verdot-Cabernet Franc,  Urla 2010

5. Kayra Vintage Öküzgözü, Elazığ 2008

6. Urlice Cabernet Sauvignon/ Syrah, Urla 2009

7. Büyülübağ Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Avşa Island 2008

TOP 7 TURKISH ROSE WINES

1. Kavaklıdere, Egeo Rose 2010

2. Urla Serendias Rose 2011 

3. Turasan Rose 2010

4. Kayra, Terra Kalecik Karası Beyaz 2010 

5. Melen Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2011 

6. Kayra, Leona Blush 2010

7. Paşaeli Çalkarası Rose 2010

Note: The above-mentioned boutique wines can be found at specialty wine shops such as Sensus Wine Boutique, Rouge, Onlinemahzen, and La Cave. Bigger brands such as Sevilen, Kavaklıdere, and Kayra are also sold at major supermarkets.