Exploring the Art of Winemaking: A Spotlight on Statera Winery/Statera Şarapcılık

Chris Vannoy

Mar 105 min read

Statera Winery: A Journey into Balance and Precision in Urla

A brochure titled "STATERA" with a vineyard and building image on a wooden table. Visible text includes "Wineful." Warm tones create an inviting mood. — Statera - 'Balance"

Statera Winery—a name that translates from Latin to “balance”—is a name that has begun to echo in the emerging Turkish wine scene. Located in the Pınardere locality of Özbek Village, just northwest of Urla State Hospital, Statera Winery is the produce of Lena and Alihan Haydaroğlu's efforts. The couple, after two decades of city life, sought a different rhythm, a slower pace, life-balance—one rooted in the land, in the sun, and in the wind. The outcome was Statera Winery. Their journey toward crafting wine began in 2010 when they planted their first 30,000 m2 of vineyards, followed by an additional 20,000 m2 in 2017. However, the patience required for fine wine is not for the faint of heart, and it was only in 2022 that a vintage worthy of the Statera Winery name was ready.

My research has led me to Statera Winery on two occasions while in Urla, when they were not yet opened, and I have sat longingly outside the gates as late as 2024. I look forward to my visit in a month or so, so this is an early post for me which longs for some more discovery! But I have enjoyed some of their wines and am impressed by their earliest vintage.

The Philosophy of Statera Winery: Solis et Ventis (Sun-Wind Balance)

At Statera Winery, balance is more than just a name—it is a philosophy. The Urla peninsula has two things in abundance: Sun and Wind. Located just 2 kms from the Aegean to their West and 5km to their East, Statera Winery sits in a hilly, wind gap running East to West. Unusual for the Urla region where most areas benefit from a North-South wind exposure. Their vineyards are planted on limestone bedrock, whose topsoilhas a clayey loam texture, and high-very high calcareous content (25%-35% active lime). A challenging but rewarding medium that stresses the vines just enough to produce concentrated flavors. The limestone bedrock and clay-loam texture, slightly alkaline with a pH between 7.60 and 7.80, create a unique foundation for the grapes to thrive. Despite this, organic matter is relatively low, making careful vineyard management essential. The vineyard uses the VSP system on 5% south facing slopes that benefits from the Sun and the easterly and westerly breezes. They seek to farm organically

avoiding systemic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides.

Grapes and Winemaking at Statera Winery

Statera Winery has carefully selected grape varieties that reflect their dedication to structure and finesse. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (often combined in classic GSM blends) thrive in their vineyards, alongside Bornova Misketi, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon. They do also bring in Sauvignon Blanc and Öküzgözü from the Çal region. Their Mourvedre is one of only 2 that I am aware of in Turkey (the other at nearby MMG Winery). Surprising to me as Mourvèdre loves the heat and produces some exceptional wines in the most Southern Rhone Valley France and the Valencia region of Spain (known as Monastrell), which share similarities to the Urla region. While Statera Winery has the capacity for 50,000 liters of production, they currently produce between 20,000 and 30,000 liters, ensuring quality and balance remains the primary focus.

Exploring Statera Winery’s Wines

Wine bottles and glasses on a round wooden table, with "Wineful day" text on a patterned backdrop. Two people are partially visible. — Statera Winery and Wineful Wine Store Tasting

I had the privilege to enjoy a number of Statera Wine's at the La'Vera restaurant in Antalya thanks to a tasting arranged by my good friends at Wineful Wine Store. Below are my first impressions. Note that 2022 is their first vintage.

Tasting menu showing dishes like jumbo shrimp and grilled octopus with wine pairings. Elegant illustration of a table with wine glasses. — The Statera and La Vera Tasting Menu

Statera Winery Öküzgözü Rosé 2023

A rosé crafted from the famed Anatolian Öküzgözü grape coming from Cal region near Denizli, this wine reveals a delicate pink-salmon hue. Medium intensity on the nose, it offers aromas of sugarbeet, honeysuckle, dark cherry, black plum, and the sweetest of figs, then cotton candy , red fruit, raspberry, strawberry, and flowers, The palate is dry, with medium acidity and 12.5% alcohol, evolving into a richer, more robust expression when paired with food. Unlike many rosés that lean toward strawberry-cream simplicity, Statera’s rendition embraces depth and has hint of toast.

Close-up of a hand holding a Statera Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc bottle. The label features gold geometric patterns and text.

Statera Winery Fumé Blanc 2023

A Bold Sauvignon Blanc Expression

For those who appreciate Sauvignon Blanc but seek complexity, the Statera Winery Fumé Blanc is a revelation. AWC Gold Medal winner, this wine is aged for three months in 500-liter French oak barrels, lending it a smoky, structured profile. On the nose, notes of asparagus lime, lemon, flint, grapefruit, nectarine, white peach, and lychee dominate, followed by a crisp, high-acid finish. Strong Sauvignon Blanc scents but balanced and layered against the oak. This wine stands out as one of Turkey's more striking Fume' Blanc offerings.

Wine bottle labeled "STATERA" with warnings: 18+, no driving, no pregnancy. Contains 14% alcohol, 75cl. Text includes Turkish details.

Statera Winery's Viognier 2022

Statera Winery’s Viognier is not for the faint of heart. Aged for 10 months sur lie in 500-liter French oak barrels, this wine carries a medium yellow color, with aromas of quince, ripe peach, honeysuckle, and floral overtones. The palate is full-bodied with a silky, oily texture, showcasing peach, fig, and sultana notes. At 14% alcohol, this is a weighty, rich wine that demands attention. Not for the light white wine drinker, if you are looking for something bold that's not a Chardonnay,try this!

Statera Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah-Öküzgözü Blend 2022

A blend that bridges both local and international traditions, this wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Öküzgözü in a deep ruby-colored offering. Black plum, cranberry, and dark cherry emerge on the nose, with hints of bitter chocolate, licorice, and damson plum. Aged for six months in 300-liter French oak barrels, this wine features fine tannins, medium plus acidity, and a body that is balanced yet structured. I like the idea behind this wine and its execution. Using the fruit forward Öküzgözü and Syrah to dampen the intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Statera Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Blend 2022

This blend leans into power and structure, aging for 12 months in 300-liter French oak barrels. The result is a high-alcohol (14.5%) wine with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dried fruit, layered with wild black fruits, sweet spice, and a long, tobacco-tinged finish. AWC Gold Medal winner, this is a wine that speaks to the balanced style of Statera Winery. Nice to see the quality production of blends that are great pairings for many dishes.

Statera Winery's GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) Blend*

A person holds a wine bottle labeled "STATERA GSM, Pınarderesi, URLA 2022." The label is black with gold text. The background is blurred.

This classic Rhône-style blend is crafted with precision at Statera Winery. Aged for 12 months in 300-liter French oak barrels, it presents a deep ruby hue with medium-plus intensity. The palate bursts with black fruits, plum, vanilla, burnt sugar, and a touch of caramel. At 15% alcohol, this wine is rich, silky, and well-structured, earning both AWC and IWSC Silver Medals.

Statera Winery: A Winery to Watch

Statera Winery is still in its infancy, yet its meticulous approach, commitment to balance, and dedication to thoughtful viticulture make it one to watch. The winery’s name, *Statera*, is fitting—not just as a reference to balance in wine but as a reflection of the careful equilibrium the owners have sought to create in their vineyard stewardship.

Statera Winery has steadfast commitment to quality, this winery may soon become a strong contributing player to the growing Urla wine scene. For those seeking a winery that blends structure with soul, Statera Winery offers a compelling narrative—one of patience, precision, and passion.