The Indigenous Revolution: Turkey’s Unique Offering to the World

The most significant contemporary development is the focus on endemic Turkish grapes. While many Old World regions rely on familiar French varieties, Turkey’s strength lies in its unique, resilient portfolio:

• Öküzgözü and Boğazkere (Eastern/Southeastern Anatolia): Powerful, structured red grapes gaining acclaim as world-class blending partners.

• Kalecik Karası (Central Anatolia): An elegant, pinot-like red that thrives in high-altitude volcanic soils.

• Narince (Black Sea): A versatile white grape that offers complexity and aging potential akin to fine French whites.

In a global market saturated with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, these indigenous varieties offer critics and consumers something truly new, authentic, and expressive of the challenging Anatolian terroir.