Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Wine
Everything you need to know about Turkish wine, from ancient history to where to buy it today.
About Turkish Wine
Is Turkish wine good?
Yes, remarkably so. Turkey has over 7,000 years of continuous winemaking history and is home to more than 600 indigenous grape varieties. Modern Turkish wines regularly win gold medals at international competitions including Decanter, IWSC, and Mundus Vini. Indigenous varieties like Öküzgözü, Kalecik Karası, and Narince produce world-class wines that offer exceptional quality at prices well below comparable bottles from France or Italy.
Does Turkey make wine?
Absolutely. Turkey has the world's 5th largest vineyard area with over 400,000 hectares under vine. While the vast majority of Turkish grapes are consumed as table fruit or dried into raisins, the Turkish wine industry has undergone a renaissance since the early 2000s. Today, approximately 75 wineries across the country produce an estimated 60-70 million liters of wine annually. The quality-focused boutique movement has transformed Turkish wine from a regional curiosity into an internationally recognized category.
How long has Turkey been making wine?
Archaeological evidence places the origins of winemaking in Anatolia (modern Turkey) at roughly 7,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The Hittites, who ruled Anatolia around 1600 BCE, had detailed laws governing vineyard management. Ancient Phrygia (central Turkey) was home to King Midas, whose legendary golden touch may have been inspired by golden wines. The region's viticultural heritage continued through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
Why isn't Turkish wine more well-known?
Several historical factors limited Turkish wine's global profile. During the Ottoman Empire (1299-1922), wine production was primarily carried out by non-Muslim minorities. After the Turkish Republic was established in 1923, a state monopoly (Tekel) controlled wine production for decades, prioritizing quantity over quality. It wasn't until Tekel was privatized in the 2000s that a wave of independent, quality-focused wineries emerged. Turkish wine is now in the midst of a renaissance, with growing international recognition.
Is wine legal in Turkey?
Yes, wine production, sale, and consumption are legal in Turkey. Turkey is a secular republic, and alcohol is widely available in restaurants, bars, and retail shops, particularly in western Turkey, major cities, and tourist areas. Turkey has a long and continuous tradition of winemaking that predates modern nation-states by millennia.
How much wine does Turkey produce?
Turkey produces approximately 60-70 million liters of wine annually, ranking it roughly 25th in global wine production. While this may seem modest given Turkey's vast vineyard area (5th largest globally), only about 2-3% of Turkish grapes are made into wine; the rest are consumed as table grapes, dried raisins, or grape molasses (pekmez). This represents an enormous untapped potential for the Turkish wine industry.
Turkish Grape Varieties
What are the main Turkish grape varieties?
Turkey's key indigenous red grape varieties include Öküzgözü (Bull's Eye), Boğazkere (Throat Burner), Kalecik Karası (Black of Kalecik), and Çal Karası (Black of Çal). Major white varieties include Narince (Delicate), Emir (Commander), Sultaniye (Sultan's Grape), and Bornova Misketi (Muscat of Bornova). Turkey has over 600 indigenous grape varieties, though approximately 65 are currently used in commercial winemaking.
What does Öküzgözü mean?
Öküzgözü literally translates to "Bull's Eye" in Turkish, referring to the grape's notably large, round, dark berries that resemble the eye of an ox. It is Turkey's most widely planted red wine grape variety, primarily grown in Eastern Anatolia. Öküzgözü produces fruit-forward wines with soft tannins and is often compared to Grenache or Tempranillo.
How do you pronounce Öküzgözü?
Öküzgözü is pronounced "oe-KOOZ-goe-zoo." Break it into syllables: Ö (like the "u" in "fur") - küz (KOOZ) - gö (goe, like "go" with a rounded lip) - zü (zoo). The ö and ü sounds don't exist in English but are similar to German umlauts. Don't worry about perfection; most wine professionals approximate it, and your server or sommelier will appreciate the effort.
What does Boğazkere taste like?
Boğazkere (pronounced "bo-AZ-keh-reh") produces deeply colored, full-bodied red wines with powerful tannins, dark fruit flavors (blackberry, damson plum), spice notes, and excellent aging potential. The name means "Throat Burner," referring to its grippy, tannic intensity. It is often compared to Tannat or Nebbiolo. When blended with Öküzgözü, a classic Turkish pairing, the result balances Boğazkere's structure with Öküzgözü's fruit-forward approachability.
What is the Turkish equivalent of Pinot Noir?
Kalecik Karası is often called "Turkey's Pinot Noir" due to its elegance, lighter body, and red fruit character. Like Pinot Noir, it produces silky, aromatic wines with flavors of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry. The grape was nearly extinct by the 1990s but was rescued through a replanting initiative by Ankara University. It is grown primarily in Central Anatolia near the town of Kalecik.
Are there white wines from Turkey?
Yes, Turkey produces excellent white wines from indigenous grape varieties. Narince from Tokat produces rich, aromatic whites comparable to Viognier or Chenin Blanc. Emir from Cappadocia produces crisp, mineral-driven whites comparable to Albariño or Assyrtiko. Sultaniye and Bornova Misketi from the Aegean create aromatic, floral whites. Ruby Imports carries both Narince and Emir wines in our portfolio.
Turkish Wine Regions
What are the main wine regions in Turkey?
Turkey's principal wine regions include: the Aegean coast (Urla, İzmir, with Mediterranean climate and international and local varieties), Cappadocia (Nevşehir, volcanic soils, Emir and Kalecik Karası), Thrace (European Turkey, continental, Papazkarası and international varieties), Eastern Anatolia (Elazığ, Öküzgözü and Boğazkere heartland), Central Anatolia (Ankara/Tokat, Kalecik Karası and Narince), and Çal (Denizli, high-altitude plateau, Çal Karası).
Is Cappadocia known for wine?
Yes, Cappadocia has been a wine region for thousands of years. The volcanic tuff landscape that creates the famous fairy chimneys also produces excellent wine grapes, particularly Emir (white) and Kalecik Karası (red). Ancient cave cellars carved into the rock provide natural temperature-controlled storage. Today, Cappadocia is experiencing a wine tourism boom, with visitors combining hot-air balloon rides with vineyard tours and tastings.
What makes Turkish terroir unique?
Turkey spans multiple climatic zones across a landmass roughly the size of Texas. This creates an extraordinary diversity of terroirs: volcanic soils in Cappadocia, limestone and clay in the Aegean, continental extremes in Eastern Anatolia, and Mediterranean warmth along the coast. Many Turkish vineyards sit at high altitudes (800-1,200m), creating large day-night temperature swings that preserve acidity while developing intense flavors. Turkey also lies at a unique convergence of European, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern influences.
Buying Turkish Wine
Where can I buy Turkish wine in the United States?
Turkish wine is available through specialty wine retailers, select restaurants, and online through importers like Ruby Imports. Distribution is growing rapidly, so ask your local wine shop if they carry Turkish wines, or visit our Where to Buy page. For trade and wholesale inquiries, restaurants and retailers can contact us directly through our Trade page.
Can I order Turkish wine online?
Availability of online ordering varies by state due to US alcohol shipping laws. Ruby Imports is actively expanding our retail and online presence. Check our Where to Buy page for the latest list of online and brick-and-mortar retailers carrying our wines. You can also contact us directly for assistance finding Turkish wine in your area.
How much does Turkish wine cost?
Turkish wine offers exceptional value. Quality bottles from indigenous grape varieties typically retail for $15-$35, a range where comparable French or Italian wines would cost $30-$60+. Premium aged Turkish wines may reach $40-$80. This value proposition is one of the most compelling reasons to explore Turkish wine: you get artisanal, award-winning quality at accessible prices.
Can restaurants order Turkish wine wholesale?
Yes, Ruby Imports offers wholesale pricing and trade programs for restaurants, wine bars, and retailers. We provide curated portfolio recommendations, staff training materials, shelf-talkers, tech sheets, and event support. Turkish wine is an excellent addition to any wine list, especially for Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and farm-to-table restaurants. Visit our Trade page or contact us at hello@rubyimportswine.com.
Pairing & Serving
What food pairs well with Turkish wine?
Turkish wines pair naturally with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Öküzgözü complements lamb kebab, grilled meats, and spiced dishes. Narince is beautiful with seafood, meze spreads, and lighter dishes. Boğazkere stands up to aged cheeses, slow-braised meats, and rich stews. Kalecik Karası works well with poultry, stuffed vegetables, and charcuterie. Emir is perfect with fresh fish, salads, and appetizers. Visit our Food Pairing Guide for detailed recommendations.
What temperature should I serve Turkish wine?
For Turkish reds like Öküzgözü and Kalecik Karası, serve at 16-18°C (60-65°F), slightly cooler than room temperature. For full-bodied reds like Boğazkere, 17-19°C (63-66°F). For whites like Narince, serve at 10-12°C (50-54°F). For Emir and lighter whites, slightly cooler at 8-10°C (46-50°F). Rosés like Çal Karası rosé are best at 8-10°C. When in doubt, err on the cooler side; the wine will warm in the glass.
Does Turkish wine age well?
Some Turkish wines age beautifully. Boğazkere, with its powerful tannin structure, can develop for 10-15+ years. Öküzgözü-Boğazkere blends from top producers age gracefully for 8-12 years. Narince from good vintages can evolve for 5-8 years. Most Turkish wines, however, are crafted for enjoyment within 2-5 years of vintage. The Mahrem Petit Verdot-Rebo 2014 in our portfolio demonstrates how well certain Turkish wines can age.
About Ruby Imports
Who is Ruby Imports?
Ruby Imports is America's specialist Turkish wine importer, founded in 2023 by Lisa and Alexis. We work directly with three family-owned wineries across Turkey (Erdel Winery in Çal, HUS Winery in Urla/Cappadocia, and Mozaik Winery in Urla) to bring award-winning wines from indigenous grape varieties to the United States. Our mission is to introduce American wine lovers to the extraordinary wines of Turkey.
What wines does Ruby Imports carry?
Our portfolio includes 10 wines spanning indigenous Turkish and international varieties: Hanchalar Narince (white), Hanchalar Öküzgözü-Syrah (red), Hanchalar Çal Karası (red), and Hanchalar Kalecik Karası rosé from Erdel Winery; HUS Emir (white, two vintages), HUS Supernova (red), and HUS La Zona (red) from HUS Winery; and Mahrem Petit Verdot-Rebo (red) and Mahrem Derya (white) from Mozaik Winery. Browse our complete collection on our Wines page.
Does Ruby Imports ship nationwide?
Shipping availability varies by state due to US alcohol shipping regulations. We are actively expanding our distribution network. For the most current availability in your area, please visit our Where to Buy page or contact us directly at hello@rubyimportswine.com. For wholesale and trade inquiries, visit our Trade page.