Chamlija Turandot: Cabernet Franc worthy of Puccini

Turkish producer Chamlija has gained attention for its musically-inspired wines, with one drawing inspiration from one of the most celebrated operas.

Being located in the province of Kirklareli, which translates to “the city of vines” in Bulgarian, it seems that Chamlija was destined to produce great wines. Indeed, though the region has a history of viticulture, Chamlija has been a pioneering force – releasing Turkey’s first £100 bottle a few years ago, a 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon called Django, named in honour of famous jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Indeed, that musical connection is also present with its Turandot, inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s opera of the same name. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc harvested from a single vineyard, Rumbeyli, it was then aged in new oak for 24 months with no fining or filtering. The resultant 15% ABV wine has the balance, refinement and power of a Puccini aria.

Mustafa Camlica, Chamlija’s founder and owner, argues that Cabernet Franc is well-suited to the region, and the style of wine he wishes to make: “Cabernet Franc for us is the King of Strandja along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It has adapted very well. It has low Ph, high colour density, dense palate, very complex as well as it is elegant. I am pretty sure that Strandja terroir is one of the best Cabernet terroirs.”

As for why Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot was chosen, Camlica’s reasoning is simple: “It is a masterpiece, a Magnum Opus. When we make an extraordinary wine, we would like to connect the wine to a master musician or a masterpiece music. Hence, the name…”

But beyond celebrating music, the branding also draws on Camlica’s personal life, with the artwork of the Turandot label depicting a woman modelled after his mother: “For me, family is above everything. When we make our wines, we use the labels with the inspiration to use our family members’ faces on them. It is all about personal touch. We would like to give a private message to wine lovers that the wine they drink is a special one with a personal touch inside. Turandot’s face here belongs to my mother.”

Below is a tasting note from db editor-in-chief and Autumn Tasting judge Patrick Schmitt MW:

Chamlija Turandot 2019

A generous, distinctive and delicious Cabernet Franc from Turkey’s beautiful Strandja Mountains, where Chamlija has become the star producer. This deep ruby wine has layers of fleshy, juicy, ripe red fruit flavours, from raspberry to strawberry, complemented by notes of roasted coffee, toast and caramel – from 24 months in new oak barriques – and a background peppery note, followed by a warming finish, with plenty of fine, dry, mouth-coating tannins.

Patrick Schmitt MW