W3 Wine School

Karasakız (Turkey)

Karasakız is the oldest grape variety grown on the island Bozcaada where it has been grown for at least 500 years.

Karasakız Flavors

Karasakız is known for its aromatic intensity of ripe red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, complemented by hint of spices and earthy undertones.

Cherry
Cherry
Strawberry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Raspberry
Pomegranate
Pomegranate
Violet
Violet
Thyme
Thyme
Pepper
Pepper
Stone
Wet Stone

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Vanilla
Vanilla
Fig
Fig
Coffee
Coffee
Tobacco
Tobacco

Karasakız Profile

Karasakız grapes generally produce fruity and spicy medium-bodied wines with low tannins and medium acidity:

BODY:Medium - Light
TANNINS:Medium - Low
FRUIT:Medium- High
ACIDITY:Medium
ALCOHOL:14% ABV
Temperature Sugar: 5 g/l

Serving temperature:
14-15°C (57-59°F)

Karasakız Food Pairing

Due to its soft tannins and bright acidity, Karasakız pairs well with a variety of dishes:

Antipasti
Tapas
Ham
Ham
Spaghetti
Spaghetti
Pizza
Pizza
Kebab
Kebap
Hamburger
Hamburger
Wrap
Wrap
Chicken
Chicken
Duck
Duck
Pork
Pork
Lamb
Lamb
Stew
Stew

Excellent Pairings

Tapas. Ham. Sausages.
Tomato-based Pasta.
Kebab. Pizza. Hamburger.
Stews. Casserolle. Goulash.
Sausages. Pepper Sauce.
Lamb. Lamb Shanks.
Roast. BBQ. Pork. Game.
Duck. Roasted Duck with Plum.
Roasted or Grilled Chicken.
Garlic Chicken.
Oxtail Soup.
Confit de Canard (Duck Confit).
Asian Marinated Dishes.

Turkish Specialities

Mildly spiced Kebabs.
Urfa Kebab. Köfte.
Turkish Mezes.
Stuffed Grape Leaves.
Grilled Vegetables.


The Ideal Glass for Karasakız

Pick a Burgundy Glass for swirling & releasing the wine aromas.

The shape of the glass captures and directs the delicate aromas to your nose and leads the wine to the tip of your tongue for a better reception of the tastes.

The Burgundy glass was designed for the delicate and aromatic red wine Bourgogne Rouge, made from Pinot Noir grapes in Bougogne (Burgundy).

Karasakız Cheese Pairing

If You Like Karasakız

You Might Also Like:

Barbera (Italy)
Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (Italy)
Corvina (Italy)
Dolcetto (Italy)
Frappato (Italy)
Gamay Noir (USA)
Garnacha (Spain)
GSM Wines (France)
Pinot Noir (France)
Teroldego (Italy)
Valpolicella Superiore (Italy)

The Karasakız Grape

Karasakız, also known as Kuntra, is a rare and indigenous Turkish red wine grape. It is valued for its soft tannins, bright acidity, and juicy red fruit flavors, making it a lighter, more elegant alternative to many of Turkey’s bolder red varieties like Boğazkere.

Karasakız is primarily grown in northwestern Turkey, especially in:

This region has a Mediterranean climate with cooling influences from the Aegean Sea, which helps retain acidity and develop complex aromatics in the grapes. The rocky, mineral-rich soils of Mount Ida add a distinct terroir-driven character to Karasakız wines.

Karasakız wines are typically medium-bodied, with bright acidity, soft tannins, and fresh red fruit flavors. It is often compared to Grenache due to its light yet flavorful profile.

Karasakız is a versatile grape, producing wines that can be fresh and fruity or slightly structured with barrel aging.

Young & Fresh Style: Light-bodied, fruity, vibrant acidity (best within 2-3 years)

Oak-Aged Style: Gains complexity with spice, soft tannins, and depth (can age 5+ years)

Blended Sometimes blended with Boğazkere or Merlot for more structure

Karasakız is an under-the-radar Turkish grape, offering a fruit-forward and easy-drinking red wine experience. Its elegant and food-friendly nature makes it perfect for those who enjoy Pinot Noir, Gamay, or Grenache-style wines.


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