Discovering Turkish Wine: A Journey Through the Vineyards of Turkey

Turkey, a land with a rich cultural and historical heritage, is also home to a burgeoning wine industry. Though historically known for its production of dried fruits, Turkey’s vineyards are increasingly making a name for themselves in the world of modern, cool-fermented wines. This article explores the diverse wine regions of Turkey, the unique grape varieties, and the key players in the Turkish wine industry.

Wine Regions in Turkey

Thrace and the Marmara Region

In the distinctly European soils and climate west of Istanbul, the vineyards of Thrace and the Marmara region produce wines that are remarkably similar to those of eastern Greece and southern Bulgaria. Despite historically facing under-investment in modernization, these vineyards are gaining recognition for their potential to produce high-quality wines. The cool climate and fertile soils of this region provide ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapes.

Aegean Coast

The Aegean coast, particularly around Izmir, is known for producing some of Turkey’s best white wines. The region’s vineyards benefit from the coastal climate, which is conducive to growing grapes that produce sweet, aromatic wines. These wines are almost as classical as the ancient ruins and tourist sites that dot this part of Turkey. The Aegean region is a focal point for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore both history and viticulture.

Anatolia

Anatolia, located in the eastern interior of Turkey, presents a stark contrast to the coastal regions. Here, vineyards must endure extremely cold winters and very dry summers. Despite these challenging conditions, the ancient grape varieties planted in Anatolia thrive. The region’s proximity to the Euphrates River and its rich history provide valuable insights into the origins of viticulture. Anatolia is known for its robust and distinctive red wines, made from grape varieties that have been cultivated for centuries.

Prominent Turkish Grape Varieties

Emir

Emir is one of Turkey’s most important white wine grapes. It produces light, delicate wines that are best enjoyed young. The wines made from Emir grapes are known for their subtle flavors and refreshing acidity, making them a perfect choice for warm summer days.

Narince

Narince is another significant Turkish white grape variety, used for both wine and table grapes. As a wine, Narince tends to be fruitier and fuller-bodied than Emir, offering a rich and aromatic experience. It is often blended with Emir to create balanced and complex wines.

Öküzgözü

Öküzgözü is a widely planted red grape variety in Turkey, known for producing bright, juicy wines. These wines are often blended with another local variety, Boğazkere, to create well-rounded reds with vibrant fruit flavors and good structure.

Kalecik Karasi

Kalecik Karasi is a Turkish red grape variety that makes soft, fruity, medium-bodied wines. These wines are designed for early drinking, offering a pleasant and approachable taste profile. Kalecik Karasi wines are perfect for those who enjoy fresh and easy-drinking reds.

Key Players in the Turkish Wine Industry

Kavaklidere

Kavaklidere is one of the big companies that have dominated the Turkish wine scene. It was the first to embrace top-quality wine production, making considerable investments in vineyards. Kavaklidere’s commitment to quality has set a benchmark for the industry, bridging the gap between growers and producers.

Büyülübağ, Corvus, and Sevilen

Among the smaller producers, Büyülübağ, Corvus, and Sevilen stand out for their interesting and innovative winemaking approaches. These wineries are at the forefront of the Turkish wine revolution, producing wines that are gaining international recognition despite their relatively high prices.

The Future of Turkish Wine

The Turkish wine industry is on a promising trajectory, with both large and small producers focusing on quality and innovation. The increasing demand for international vine varieties alongside traditional Turkish grapes is driving growth and diversity in the market. As Turkish wines continue to improve in quality, they are expected to gain a larger share of the global wine market.