By Jade Palmer, Krog Wine Manager
In my biweekly attempts to get you, dear reader, to step outside of your comfort zone and drink wines from other places, this week, we’re exploring The Ancient World. You’ve heard the terms Old World and New World (albeit falling out of fashion), but rarely is the ancient world of wine discussed. Countries like Armenia, Turkiye, and Lebanon have been making wine for thousands of years and we should be paying attention to them. They’re making world-class wines, as you’ll see and discover in this newsletter and at our weekend wine tastings at Krog!
Yacoubian-Hobbs Dry White - $29.99
Yacoubian-Hobbs is a partnership between the Yacoubian family in Armenia and American winemaker Paul Hobbs. After meeting via email in 2003 and traveling out to Armenia shortly afterwards, the partnership was formed in 2008. Hobbs and the Yacoubians ensure that their wines are modern expressions of indigenous grapes and ancient winemaking styles. They aim to show Armenia as both a bastion of ancient winemaking and at the forefront of today’s wine culture. The Dry White is made from Voskehat and Khatuni, two indigenous varieties that are full of jasmine, apricot, lemon oil, and mineral notes. Pair this with white meat or meatier fish dishes for the full experience.
Pasaeli 6N Karasakis - $24.99
Pasaeli was established in 2000 by Seyit Karagözoğlu, who spent a decade as a fine wine importer before starting the winery. His focus is mainly on indigenous varieties (like Karasakis), but he also makes a Bordeaux Blend, among other international styles. The 6N is delightfully aromatic with fresh red berries, autumnal spices, and dried figs. It comes from a single vineyard that is close to the ancient city of Troy - how cool?! This wine will help you welcome in the fall weather.
Massaya Le Colombier - $23.99
Massaya was birthed into existence in 1998, a few years after the Lebanese civil war had ended and left the country in tatters. With the help of a few French partners, the Ghosn family figured out which grape varieties and which sites would be ideal for winemaking, launching Massaya to the forefront of Lebanon’s renaissance as a wine region. Back in 1998, there were only four wineries in Lebanon; today, there are more than 45! Le Colombier is a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Tempranillo, grown from 40-year-old vines in the Bekaa Valley. Expect notes of juicy red fruit, fresh black fruit, baking spices, and roasted peppers. Pair this wine with anything you’d cook on the grill.
