Narince (Turkey)

Narince is one of Turkey’s most important historic white wine.

Narince Flavors

The aroma profile contains Lime, Orange, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Quince, Flowers, Herbs, and Almonds.

Lemon

Lime

Orange

Grapefruit

Pineapple

Quince

Pear

Honesuckle

Acacia

Basil

Almond

Mineral

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Vanilla

Honey

Caramel

Walnut

Narince Profile

Narince wines are typically medium-bodied, with bright acidity:

SUGAR:	Dry (3 g/l)

BODY:	Medium

FRUIT:	High

ACIDITY:	Medium - High

ACOHOL:	11.5-13.5%

	Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) Young: Best enjoyed within 1–3 years. Aged: Ages well for 5+ years.

Narince Food Pairing

Narince’s vibrant acidity and subtle fruitiness make it a versatile food wine.

It also pairs well with flavorful, rich, salty, oily, and spicy food.

Olive Oil

Salad

Vegetables

Seafood

Calamari

Sardines

Fish

Pasta

Pizza

Sushi

Maki

Excellent Pairings

Turkish Cuisine.
Mediterranean. Thai. Indian. Mexican.
Grilled Vegetables and Green Salad.
Vinegar or Citrus Dressing.
Seafood. Grilled White Fish.
Shrimps. Prawns. Calamari. Squid.
Fish Soup. Fish Pie.
Paella. Tomato-based Pasta and Pizza.
Salmon. Gravlax. Sushi. Sashimi. Ceviche.
Turkish mezes (Haydari, Ezme, Stuffed grape leaves).
Light Poultry. Lemon Chicken. Herb-roasted Turkey.
Sharp Ingredients. Anchovies. Capers. Olives.

The Ideal Glass for Narince

A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles.

It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant.

A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem!

Narince Cheese Pairing

Brie

Camembert

Chèvre

Feta

Fondue

Fontina

Gruyère

Manchego

Mató

Mozzarella

Ricotta

Serra Estrela

Pairing Tips

Add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing. Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the Narince's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Narince.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Narince.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Hard Cheeses

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Narince

The Narince Grape

Narince is one of Turkey’s most important indigenous white wine grapes, known for its delicate floral aromas, balanced acidity, and aging potential.

The name means "delicate" or "graceful" in Turkish, which reflects the elegant nature of the wines it produces.

Narince originates from Tokat, a province in Northern Anatolia, near the Black Sea. The region’s continental climate, with warm days and cool nights, helps the grape retain acidity and aromatic complexity.

In addition to Tokat, Narince is also cultivated in:

Cappadocia (high-altitude vineyards, mineral-driven wines)
Denizli & Aegean region (warmer, fruitier expressions)
Thrace & Marmara (cooler climate, fresher styles)

Narince wines are typically medium-bodied, with bright acidity and a combination of floral, citrus, and mineral notes. It can be fresh and crisp when unoaked or develop complex, nutty flavors when aged in oak.

Like Chardonnay it is a flexible grape that can be made into a variety of styles from aromatic and steely when aged in stainless steel, to complex and creamy with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts when aged in oak.

Narince is unique among Turkish white grapes because it has good aging potential, allowing it to develop richer flavors over time.

Narince is often blended with Chardonnay or Emir for added texture and complexity.

Narince is a beautifully aromatic and food-friendly white grape, often compared to Pinot Grigio or Albariño for its floral elegance and crisp acidity. Whether enjoyed young and fresh or aged for complexity, it showcases the unique terroir of Anatolia and is a must-try for anyone interested in Turkish wines.