Diyarbakır

Overview

Diyarbakır lies at the edge of the ancient Fertile Crescent, with a winemaking heritage stretching back through Assyrian, Roman and Ottoman times. The city itself is hot and low-lying, but the best vineyards are found on higher ground around Çermik and Çüngüş, where elevation brings cooler nights and better acidity retention.

Volcanic, mineral-rich soils drain well and encourage deep root systems, producing concentrated grapes. Indigenous varieties Boğazkere and Öküzgözü dominate, yielding robust, tannic reds with dark fruit and spice, while Syrah and Merlot add further depth in modern blends.

Key Varietals

• BoğazkereA powerful local red with firm tannins, dark berries, black pepper and liquorice notes.
• ÖküzgözüSoftens Boğazkere's structure with bright acidity, red cherry and plum flavours.
• SyrahThrives on warm, rocky slopes, adding blackberry, smoked meat and pepper character.
• MerlotBrings roundness and dark-fruit richness to Diyarbakır blends.