TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Turkish 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.
Narince is a native Turkish grape that is now cultivated in several regions, but its origin is mainly associated with Tokat, Anatolia. Narince is a versatile grape that is often terroir-driven, but it mainly produces medium to full-bodied wines with a fruity and floral character.
These straw-colored wines will usually display floral and citrusy notes, often reminiscent of pear, quince, grapefruit, lime, and acacia. They are generally well-balanced with acidity and alcohol and will often benefit from aging. Oak-aged versions have more complexity and aromas that evolve into vanilla, caramel, and woody nuances.
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.
Emir is a white Turkish grape native to Cappadocia. It is used in varietals and blends, and it produces clean and crisp white wines. Emir is often lauded as a prime Turkish grape that can produce excellent quality wine. Apart from outstanding dry wines, it is also used in the production of sparkling wines.
Wines made with Emir are typically well-balanced and lively, often with some mineral character. They are generally high in acidity, bright, and crisp. On the nose, they usually display a blend of apple, white fruit, citrus, and herbal nuances. Emir-based wines are mostly enjoyed young, and the grape is often blended with Narince, another important white variety from Turkey.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Turkish Wine Producers
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2021, 2020
BEST Doluca Bagcilik Ve Sarapcilik Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024, 2019, 2017, 2016
BEST Urla Sarapcilik Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2021, 2019
BEST Kavaklidere Saraplari Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
BEST Akberg Wines Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
BEST Kalpak Tarim Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
BEST Kocabag Bagcilik Ve Sarapcilik Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
BEST Mey Icki Sanayi & Ticaret Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
BEST Yedi Bilgeler Sarapcilik Wines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Turkish Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2020
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2021
AWARDS

USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2020
AWARDS

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024, 2019
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2016
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2017
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.