The wine grapes and vines that Anatolia has been home to for many years have been used by people in many fields. Wine, which has been produced since ancient times in human history and consumed by many cultures, first appeared in Mesopotamia. Excavations in the north of Mesopotamia, which has a history of 7 thousand years, found remains of the cultivation of vines called Vitis vinifera (grape variety), which are used in winemaking, in the Turabdin region. 

 

These vines, which were even the subject of the Sumerian epic Gilgamesh, were used in many areas by the people living in Mesopotamia. Syriac Wine, which is still made thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia, the oldest known wine production place in the world, attracts attention with its spirit of ancient lands. The Assyrians living in the Turabdin region of Mesopotamia have preserved this heritage by continuing viticulture and wine production in the region and have contributed greatly to its spread from Anatolia to Greece.

 

 

Assyrian wine, which goes down in history as the first wine, came into being on its own, as opposed to being prepared. Syriac wine, which does not contain additives such as alcohol, yeast, and colorants, is obtained from the natural fermentation of grapes. Syriac wine, which is the product of thousands of years of a living tradition, does not use pure alcohol in production of Syriac wine, it secretes its alcohol on its while brewing. Syriac wine, which is known all over the world for this feature, is flavored with mahaleb. 

 

A product of the culture and traditions of Mesopotamia, the wine is preferred by wine lovers who favor naturalness. The best quality grapes of the region are used in the special wines produced in the Midyat district of Mardin province in our country. In the production of Syriac wine that fits thousands of years of culture into its bottle; While the mazrone grape is used for white wine, boğazkere and Vitis vinifera grapes are used for red wine. 

 

 

 

White, red, and rose wines are easy to drink and can easily be consumed with meals. The flavors and aromas of homemade wines can be different. Syriac wine is poured into classic wine glasses and served by local people at weddings, invitations, and dinner tables. You can also consume various appetizers with wines you can drink on your special occasions and carefully prepared tables. 

You can have a pleasant wine tasting with red meat with red Syriac wine, white meat with white wine, and various fruits with rose wine. Dishes such as pasta and salads with light sauces can accompany your Syriac wine.  You can enjoy Syriac wine with a wine plate prepared with various kinds of cheese, red and white grapes, baguette bread, and various greens or with various chocolates. Now let's talk a little about the types of Syriac wine.

 

• Ninve: Produced by fermenting Vitis vinifera and Boğazkere grapes, this type of Syriac wine has a bright ruby color. The wines, which can be stored for up to 10 years when the right storage conditions are used, are consumed by locals and wine enthusiasts.

• Verdo: Prepared using Vitis vinifera grapes, Verdo is one of the rose wines. You can age the wines stored under the right conditions for up to 3 years.

• Turabdin: Produced with the harmony of Vitis vinifera and Boğazkere grapes of Midyat vineyards, this wine has a bright burgundy color. Thanks to its light taste, it can accompany your nice dinners.

• Classic: Made from Vitis vinifera and boğazkere grapes, this Syriac wine has a pastel finish.

• Monastery: Produced from Boğazkere grapes grown in Assyrian monasteries, Manastır Syriac wine has a dark burgundy color. The wines can be aged for up to 10 years and can be tasted at different intensities.

• Kustan: It is a white Assyrian wine obtained from Kirkuk and Mezrona grapes. You can also consume Kustan wine by aging it for 10 years. The wine, which is easy to drink, is preferred to be consumed cold.

• Dara: These wines are produced using Vitis vinifera and Boğazkere grapes and mahaleb is added to give them a different aroma. 

• Shiluh: The most preferred type of Syriac wine, Shiluh is made from Bogazkere and Vitis vinifera grapes.

 

When you visit Mardin, which has witnessed many civilizations in history, you should try the Assyrian wine that will make you feel the historical atmosphere of the city. You can accompany the various dishes and historical beauties of the region with a Syriac wine of your choice. Mardin is a city full of wonders for wine lovers and tourists to visit and discover with its rich cultural texture and Syriac wine whose taste is integrated with its history. Make sure you leave enough time to explore this city.