The Best Turkish Wines You Need to Try

Turkey is known for its vibrant cuisine, but its wines often go unnoticed. However, Turkey is home to several excellent wine regions, producing a wide range of grapes and styles. In this article, we'll explore the best Turkish wines that are a must-try for any wine enthusiast.Kavaklıdere Yakut is one of the most popular and widely recognized Turkish wines. This dry, full-bodied red wine is made from the Öküzgözü grape, which is native to Turkey. The grape is known for its fruity flavors and vibrant colors, which are reflected in Yakut. This wine has a rich, fruity flavor with hints of black cherry and spice, making it a great pairing for red meats and hearty stews. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, giving the wine a long, satisfying finish.Doluca DLC Öküzgözü is another wine made from the Öküzgözü grape, but it has a lighter, more delicate flavor profile than Yakut. This red wine has a slightly translucent ruby color with notes of red berries and a slightly spicy finish. The tannins are silky and well-balanced, making it a great pairing for grilled meats and vegetables.Kayra Beyaz Kalecik Karası is a unique white wine produced by Kayra Winery. It is made from the Kalecik Karası grape, which is a lesser-known grape in Turkey. The wine has a crisp, refreshing taste with hints of citrus and green apple. It is an excellent choice for seafood dishes, salads, and light pastas.Vinkara Narince is a white wine made from the Narince grape, which is native to Turkey. This wine has a floral aroma and a smooth, slightly sweet taste with notes of pear and honey. It pairs well with spicy dishes and is an excellent complement to grilled chicken. The tannins are well-balanced, and the finish is long and satisfying.Urla Şarapçılık Urla Karası is a red wine made from the Karası grape. This grape is native to Turkey and is known for its deep, rich flavors. This wine has a medium body with a fruity, spicy flavor profile, and it pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews. The tannins are well-balanced, giving the wine a smooth, satisfying finish.Selendi Gülpembe is a white wine produced by Selendi Winery. It is made from the Sultaniye grape, which is a popular grape in Turkey. The wine has a floral aroma and a light, refreshing taste with notes of lemon and green apple. This wine pairs well with seafood dishes and salads. The tannins are well-balanced, giving the wine a crisp, clean finish.Chamlija Winery produces this white wine, made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with notes of grapefruit and herbs. This wine pairs well with grilled fish, seafood, and salads.Produced by Sevilen Winery, this red wine is made from the Öküzgözü grape. It has a medium body with a fruity, slightly spicy taste, and pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.Chamlija Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine produced by Chamlija Winery. It is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, which is a popular grape worldwide. This wine has a bright, refreshing flavor with notes of tropical fruit and a hint of minerality. It pairs well with grilled fish, shellfish, and light salads. The tannins are well-balanced, giving the wine a clean, crisp finish.Gülor Öküzgözü is a red wine made from the Öküzgözü grape. This wine has a deep, rich color with notes of red berries and a hint of spice. It pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews. The tannins are well-structured, giving the wine a long, satisfying finish.Suvla Karasakız is a red wine made from the Karasakız grape, which is a lesser-known grape in Turkey. This wine has a medium body with a fruity, spicy flavor profile. It pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews. The tannins are well-balanced, giving the wine a smooth, satisfying finish.Likya Kızılbel is a red wine produced by Likya Winery. It is made from a blend of Öküzgözü and Boğazkere grapes, giving it a complex, full-bodied flavor profile. This wine has a deep, dark color with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. It pairs well with roasted meats and game. The tannins are well-structured, giving the wine a long, satisfying finish.Kastro Tireli Winery Kalecik Karası is a red wine made from the Kalecik Karası grape. This wine has a light to medium body with a fruity, slightly spicy flavor profile. It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and pizza. The tannins are well-balanced, giving the wine a smooth, satisfying finish.