The Return of the Knidos Karasi Wine to the Bottle
During the monthly menu updates of our wine house WAYANA in Kadıköy, Istanbul, the first innovations we look for are in the names of grapes. We closely monitor new grapes and wines, both in terms of maintaining the strength of the rich Turkish wines menu of our wine house in Istanbul Kadıköy, and the content of our regular wine tastings.
There is an interesting advantage that our country's late-starting wine journey has given us. If we live in lands developed in terms of wine, it is only possible to encounter a new wine grape with laboratory studies. But Türkiye is still a place that offers us the opportunity to discover its hidden gems. Perhaps these discoveries are a bitter motivation for our backwardness in this field.
The Knidos Black Grape of Knidos is actually such an awareness that excites us. When I saw the name of Knidos Karası, I kindly asked for information about this grape in order not to make a mistake, and they were kind enough to share a short information note they compiled with me. I am writing this article based on the information I received from them.
The history of Knidos goes back to the Hellenistic period, that is, about 2,200 years ago. Archaeological finds and historical records of the period show us that the vineyards and wines of Knidos were popular during this period. What the records do not tell us is which grapes are grown in these vineyards and the wine is made from.
Knidos Winery, which decorates our menu and glasses with its wines today, first encountered the Knidos Karası grapevines in 2006 in the region of Kızlan Village. Afterwards, vines with better results were reached from the nearby Bağlıbelen and Bağlarözü locations. After an 8-year rehabilitation process and a twist of fate, healthy bunches were obtained. The wines tried in these early years went from mediocre to promising in 2016.
Despite the scorching heat of Datça, one of the hottest regions of our country, Knidos Karasi ripens late. The harvest, which starts at the end of September, can extend until November. In addition, the maturation process of the clusters on the same vine can show a difference of two to three weeks. Despite the hot climate, the acid level is close to ideal.
In order to clarify the original identity of the Knidos Karasi, genetic analyzes were also carried out and recorded. The story of the Knidos Karasi tells us how long the wine production needs. Well, does it end here? Of course not. Because every year, the bar is raised to reach the better.
We would like to thank Knidos Wines for bringing Knidos Karasi to our tables. Our biggest expectation is that they bring us together with better wines and newer grapes in the WAYANA Wine Menu.
