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Turkey, one of the world's oldest wine countries, harbours a very special wine region. This region does not produce much wine (it only accounts for around 3% of Turkey’s wine production, while other Turkish wine regions, like the Aegean wine region, produce a lot more). Turkey's wine production is notably diverse, with regions like the Aegean Coast and the Marmara wine region contributing significantly to the overall output. Still, it has a rich history and cultural significance in winemaking. Small-scale vineyards dominate here, using traditional practices like bush vineyard cultivation, giving the wines a unique character.
Here, you’ll find a range of native red and white grape varieties thriving in the semi-arid continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The diverse soils, like decomposed sandstone and red clay, offer excellent drainage and moisture retention, perfect for growing flavourful grapes and producing unique Turkish wines.
The Southeastern Anatolia region borders Eastern Anatolia to the north, Central Anatolia to the west, Syria to the south (where the Euphrates River is key), and Iraq to the east. In addition, this region is 14 hrs away from the Aegean wine region. Finally, to the west of this region is located the Mediterranean wine region.
So, wine enthusiasts, grab your bags and start a wine tourism journey through one of the oldest wine regions of the world!
Turkish wine has a rich history dating back over 7,000 years, with evidence of grape cultivation and winemaking found in the ancient city of Göbekli Tepe. Despite its long history, Turkish wine has only recently gained recognition on the international stage. With its unique blend of indigenous grape varieties and modern winemaking techniques, Turkish wine is quickly becoming a favorite among wine enthusiasts. From the sun-kissed vineyards of the Aegean region to the rugged terrain of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey’s diverse wine culture is waiting to be discovered.
The Southeastern Anatolia wine region is characterized by a diverse range of soils, including limestone, clay, and volcanic soils. The region’s unique terroir is influenced by the Taurus Mountains, which provide a moderating influence on the climate and soil conditions. The limestone soils of the region are particularly well-suited to the production of Öküzgözü and Boğazkere, two of Turkey’s most popular indigenous grape varieties. The clay soils, on the other hand, are better suited to the production of white wines, such as Narince.
Southeastern Anatolia is a hidden gem for wine tourists, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the region’s ancient cities, including Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, and sample some of the region’s best wines at local wineries. The region is also home to a number of wine festivals and events, including the Gaziantep Wine Festival, which takes place every September. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Southeastern Anatolia is a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast.
The cuisine of Southeastern Anatolia is characterized by its rich flavors and aromas, with popular dishes including kebabs, stews, and dolmas. The region’s wines are perfectly suited to pairing with these dishes, with Öküzgözü and Boğazkere being particularly well-suited to pairing with red meat dishes. Narince, on the other hand, is a great match for seafood and vegetarian dishes. Visitors to the region can sample some of the local specialties, including baklava and kebabs, and learn about the art of food and wine pairing from local experts.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
The Southeastern Anatolia wine region has a rich and diverse landscape that mirrors its history.
Picture this: rugged mountains, wide-open plains, and historical landmarks all mixed, creating a striking contrast between the natural environment and the vineyards. The region is crisscrossed by the famous Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which means you get these breathtaking views of river valleys. It's not only important for growing grapes, but it's also just absolutely stunning to look at.
Wine-growing areas like Diyarbakır and Mardin are set in elevated, hilly terrain. The higher altitude means cooler nights, which is super important for growing grapes, even though it can get scorching hot during the day. You can imagine vineyards spread out across these high plateaus, blending in perfectly with the open plains. And if you look beyond the vineyards, you'll see ancient ruins dotting the landscape, like Hasankeyf and Göbekli Tepe. These ruins add a sense of historical grandeur to the already beautiful natural surroundings.
Old cities, like Mardin, are perched on top of hills and offer incredible panoramic views that stretch out over the plains. This unique backdrop to the vineyards reinforces the connection between Southeastern Anatolia's deep historical roots and its thriving wine industry today.
This climate is known for its extreme temperatures, which actually make it perfect for growing certain types of grapes!
During the summer, it gets really hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching a scorching 37°C (98°F) in July and August. But then, in the winter, it gets pretty cold, with temperatures dropping down to around 1-8°C (34-47°F). This big difference between hot days and cool nights is actually really important for growing grapes because it helps them maintain their acidity and develop deeper flavours.
Most of the rain in this region falls during the winter months, from November to February, while the summers are extremely dry. It might snow a little in the winter, but it's usually pretty light. Because the summers are so dry, the vineyards have to rely on really efficient water management systems to keep the grapes happy.
The humidity in this region changes a lot throughout the year. In the summer, it can get as low as 15% humidity, which is super dry, but in the winter, it gets more humid. There are also moderate sea breezes, especially during the summer, which help cool the vineyards and provide some relief from the intense heat during the day.
It turns out that this kind of climate is actually perfect for certain grape varieties, like Boğazkere and Öküzgözü, which thrive in these dry, hot conditions.
Now, let's explore the different types of soil in the Southeastern Anatolia wine region in Turkey. These soils are crucial for growing grapes and making delicious wines. They affect things like water retention, drainage, and nutrient availability, which are all crucial for keeping the vines healthy and the grapes tasty.
Southeastern Anatolia's diverse soils, from the fast-draining decomposed sandstone to the moisture-retentive red clay, create the perfect environment for growing grapes. The different soil types help produce wines with distinct flavours, making the region a unique and fascinating place for winemaking. What are you waiting for? Start your journey through Turkey and join a wine tasting in Southeastern Anatolia to taste and experience firsthand the unique wines and diverse wine culture this region has to offer!
Wine folks in Southeastern Anatolia are getting serious about going green. More and more wineries are ditching harsh chemicals, finding smarter ways to deal with pests, and being careful with water use. More and more wineries are becoming certified organic.
Sustainability is still pretty new in the area, but it's becoming a big deal. It's especially important for the wines made from local grapes like Boğazkere and Öküzgözü. Growing these grapes in an eco-friendly way is helping put Southeastern Anatolia on the map. People are starting to notice that this place isn't just about old-school winemaking - it's also looking out for the planet.
The hot, dry summers and cool nights in this area are perfect for growing a variety of different red and white grape varietals.
Let's explore the most common local wines from Southern Anatolia, a region in central Turkey that grows both native and international grape varieties. The hot days and cool nights in this area make for some seriously diverse and tasty red and white wines.
Winemaking in Southeastern Anatolia has a pretty fascinating story that goes way back in time!
People have been growing grapes in this region for thousands of years, possibly as far back as the Hittite period, which was around 1800-1600 BCE. That's a really long time ago! Archaeologists have found some cool stuff in places like Diyarbakir, including grape fossils and ancient tools used for making wine. This tells us that winemaking has been a big deal in Southeastern Anatolia for a very long time.
The Hittites were really good at farming, and they took their vineyards seriously. They used indigenous grapes and even had strict laws to protect them. This set the stage for a thriving grape and wine culture that kept growing through different civilizations like the Phrygians, Persians, and Byzantines. Grapes were so important to these societies that they even used grape designs on their religious and cultural artifacts.
During the Ottoman era, growing grapes was a big deal. Even though making wine was restricted under Islamic law, people still cultivated a lot of table grapes, so grapes remained a key part of life in Southeastern Anatolia.
Fast forward to today, and the winemaking industry in this region is going strong, building a modern industry up on its ancient roots. Winemakers focus on both native grape varieties like Boğazkere and Öküzgözü for the domestic market and Vitis vinifera grape varietals for the international markets. All of this makes Southeastern Anatolia one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the world and an increasingly important player in the Turkish wine industry and the wine world!
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