Anatolia

Overview

Anatolia is one of the world's oldest wine-growing areas, with a vast plateau of valleys and river basins stretching from the Kızılırmak River to the upper Euphrates and Tigris. The continental climate produces severe winters, hot dry summers and dramatic temperature swings, demanding hardy vines and careful site selection.

Rainfall is low and soils are varied, including pebbly clay loam, chestnut soils, lime-rich red clay and alluvial river deposits. The region is the source of many of Turkey's signature grapes, including Kalecik Karası, Öküzgözü, Boğazkere and Narince, as well as ancient ungrafted vineyards in its more remote corners.

Key Varietals

• Kalecik KarasıA Central Anatolian red known for delicate floral aromas, red berries and supple tannins.
• ÖküzgözüAn Eastern Anatolian red with high acidity, bright cherry fruit and a spicy finish.
• BoğazkereA structured, tannic red from the south-east, yielding dark fruit, pepper and ageing potential.
• NarinceA white grape with citrus and stone-fruit character, thriving in inland continental sites.