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Best Asian Red Wine Types
Öküzgözü is a native Turkish red grape with excellent potential. It hails from Elazığ province, though it is widely planted in other wine-growing regions. The grape is often made into a varietal, but it is also commonly blended with native Boğazkere.
The latter will add more body and tannins to the blends. Öküzgözü produces ruby red wines with fruity aromas reminiscent of raspberries and cherries. They usually display some herbal nuances, and oak-aged styles will typically have jammy notes reminiscent of ripe fruit, leather, and spices.
Kalecik Karası is a native Turkish grape that probably originated in Kalecik district of Central Anatolia. The grape is not well-known outside Turkey, but it is slowly gaining international recognition. It is considered one of the finest Turkish grapes.
Kalecik Karası produces light to medium-bodied wines, often described as a cross between Pinot Noir and Gamay. They are typically cherry-colored with a fruity aroma reminiscent of red berries. On the palate, they are smooth and velvety, with good acidity and soft tannins.
Papazkarası or Papaskara is a Turkish grape cultivated in Marmara and Central Anatolia regions. The grape produces juicy red wines that are intensely colored and usually have high alcohol content and good acidity. The aromas are subtle and reminiscent of red and dark berries, with hints of pepper and spices.
The wines are versatile, and though they are commonly enjoyed young, some are also suitable for oak-aging. They are fruity and food-friendly, making excellent pairing with chicken, pork, lamb, and vegetables. It is suggested that the grape might have Greek origins, where it is still sometimes cultivated under the name Kara Papas.
Boğazkere is a native Turkish grape originating from Diyarbakır, but it is now grown in other Turkish regions. The grape is best known for its ability to produce powerful, tannic wines. Because of its character, it is often used in blends to provide body and structure.
It is mainly blended with the aromatic Öküzgözü. Boğazkere wines are full-bodied, with grippy tannins and good acidity. They are filled with a fruity aroma, typically reminiscent of cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, often accompanied by spicy, tobacco, leather-like, and cocoa notes.
Çalkarasi is a red Turkish grape that originated in Çal, Denizli province. In the past, it was primarily used in blends, but several producers have proven that it has a versatile character and great potential as a varietal wine.
It is mainly used in the production of fresh red wines and excellent rosés. Varietal Çalkarasi wines are typically light to medium-bodied. They are characterized by low tannins and crisp acidity. The flavor and the aroma are fruity, reminiscent of peaches, strawberries, and raspberries.
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