The Best Mezes to Pair with Turkish Wine

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, and one of the best ways to enjoy this culinary tradition is by pairing delicious mezes with a fine glass of Turkish wine. Mezes are small dishes designed for sharing, often served as appetizers or snacks, and they perfectly complement the unique profiles of Turkish wines. Here, we explore some of the best mezes to pair with Turkish wine, enhancing your dining experience.

1. Hummus
Hummus is a classic meze made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor make it an excellent match for white Turkish wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Emir. These wines enhance the freshness of the hummus, creating a balanced palate.

2. Dolma
Stuffed grape leaves, known as dolma, are another popular Turkish meze. They are typically filled with rice, pine nuts, and herbs. Dolma pairs beautifully with red wines like Kalecik Karası or Öküzgözü. The acidity in these wines complements the earthy flavors of the dolma.

3. Börek
Börek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat, is a must-try Turkish delicacy. When enjoying börek, opt for a glass of Rosé wine. The fruity notes in Rosé cut through the richness of the pastry, making for a delightful combination.

4. Tarator
This yogurt-based dip made with crushed walnuts, garlic, and olive oil is a refreshing meze that pairs well with light-bodied Turkish wines like a crisp Narince. The bright acidity of the wine complements the tanginess of the yogurt, adding a refreshing element to the meal.

5. Labneh
Labneh is a thick yogurt cheese that can be served plain or infused with herbs and spices. It goes hand-in-hand with crisp white wines like Chardonnay. The wine’s buttery notes enhance the creamy texture of labneh, making it a winning combination.

6. Fava Beans
This dish, made from pureed fava beans, garlic, and olive oil, is often garnished with lemon and served with pita bread. Pair fava beans with a medium-bodied red wine like the indigenous wine, Bozdağ, to experience a delightful harmony of flavors.

7. Pide
Turkish pide, a type of flatbread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or minced meat, offers a great platform for pairing. For a rich and hearty pide, consider a bold wine like a red blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s structure and complexity beautifully match the savory toppings of pide.

8. Grilled Octopus
For seafood lovers, grilled octopus is an exceptional meze. The smoky taste of the octopus pairs remarkably well with a crisp, dry white wine such as a Turkish Emir or a fruity, vibrant Çalkarası. These wines amplify the flavors of the ocean while maintaining a refreshing balance.

9. Muhammara
This spicy dip made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and breadcrumbs is both flavorful and aromatic. A glass of aromatic white wine like Viognier pairs perfectly, as its floral notes complement the dish’s robust flavors.

10. Meze Platter
If you want to experience a variety of mezes, consider ordering a meze platter. This typically includes an assortment of dips, vegetables, cheeses, and olives. When indulging in a meze platter, a versatile wine like Doluca’s red blend can elevate the entire experience, harmonizing with multiple flavors and textures at once.

In conclusion, the right mezes can elevate your Turkish wine experience from good to extraordinary. Whether you prefer creamy spreads or grilled meats, pairing these delicious small dishes with fine wines will surely lead to a fulfilling and memorable dining experience. Cheers to discovering the best mezes to enjoy with Turkish wine!