“When Vinkara asked me to visit and give my assessment of the wine production facility in Kalecik, I immediately and gladly accepted the offer even though I was not familiar with the Anatolian region at all.

When I arrived at Kalecik and looked at the surrounding mountains and the vineyards along the steep slopes along the Kızılırmak River, I was clearly convinced that even though the soil was light to my touch, it was at a highly fertile terroir.

The Kalecik region has a dry climate, is generally windy, hot and sunny. On the one hand, the mountains surrounding the vineyards block against the extreme afternoon heat also common in the Mediterranean region, while on the other hand, afford for cool evenings. These two factors are also very important for attaining the desired quality in viticulture.

The first detail that remained in my memory about the soil is that it was light, yet buttery. This suggests that the soil’s characteristics are far from opposite extremes. In other words - or in one word – ideal! Another important point is that traditional viticulture continues in this region.”

About Marco Monchiero