The 2024 Global Judging event held in Istanbul has showcased the impressive quality and growing international potential of Turkish wines. For the third consecutive year, the competition partnered with the Tuğrul Şavkay Turkish Wines Competition, bringing together a panel of six expert judges to conduct a rigorous assessment of entries from across the country.
Among the highlights, 14 wines earned gold medals, representing nearly 10% of all awards—a significant achievement given the stringent standards of the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). This strong performance underscores the judges’ commitment to a thorough, professional evaluation process.
Native Varieties Take Center Stage
Indigenous grape varieties emerged as the stars of this year’s judging, with Kalecik Karası and Narince receiving particular acclaim. The gold medal-winning Karmen Şarapçılık Diren Mahla Narince 2022 stood out alongside silver medalists Kavaklıdere Şarapları Château Series Côtes d’Avanos Narince 2023 and Vinkara Reserve Narince 2021. Master of Wine Demetri Walters praised Narince’s “huge potential,” highlighting it along with other native white varieties as key to Turkey’s wine future.
Red wines crafted from the lighter Kalecik Karası grape also impressed. Vinkara Reserve Kalecik Karası 2020 secured a gold medal, with judge Cat Lomax noting its “delightful, bouncy red cherry fruit notes” and “lovely, moreish freshness” that lends itself well to summer drinking. Lomax emphasized the variety’s potential to captivate a broader global audience.
Grenache-dominant blends garnered attention as well, with judge Sunny Hodge identifying them as commercially promising, particularly for markets such as the UK. Notable silver medal winners included V’Asbos Estate Iconic Grenache Edition 2 NV and Startera Bağcılık Şarapçılık Statera GSM 2022.
The Thrace region, bordering Bulgaria and Greece and benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, reinforced its reputation with strong performances in red blends. Gold medals were awarded to Taneanda Fenolya Caladoc 2020 and Barbare Nova Şarap Üretimi Barbare Premier Elegance 2020, alongside a silver for Suvla Wines Suvla Reserve Petit Verdot – Karasakız 2022.
Challenges and Industry Debate
Despite these successes, certain wine categories sparked debate among judges. International grape varieties were often criticized for excessive oak influence, and rosé wines showed inconsistent quality. Judge Cat Lomax highlighted the need for the industry to develop a consistently appealing commercial style for rosés.
Outlook and Industry Insights
The judging panel concluded that Turkish wines exhibit significant quality and international potential, though the country’s wine identity remains in flux. Greater clarity and focus on styles that resonate globally will be crucial for future growth.
Demetri Walters MW remarked on the excitement around native varieties and the need to deepen understanding of their unique characteristics. Isa Bal MS noted the absence of a clear stylistic trend, emphasizing that Turkey’s wine identity is still evolving. Sunny Hodge pointed to the export opportunities offered by indigenous varieties, which are typically fresh, high in acidity, and lower in alcohol—traits well-suited to markets like the UK. However, Hodge cautioned that heavily oaked international styles may struggle to find favor.
Judging Panel
This year’s judges included Sarah Abbott MW, Cat Lomax, David Kermode, Demetri Walters MW, Isa Bal MS, and Sunny Hodge, whose expertise ensured a comprehensive and discerning evaluation of Turkey’s diverse wine offerings.
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