Foça Karası

Foça Karası is an ancient grape variety from the Foça district of İzmir, Turkey, with a history spanning over 2,600 years. Known as Fokiano in Greece, it was introduced to Europe by the Phokaians during their trade routes. This purple-black grape is almost extinct today, with small-scale cultivation still happening in İzmir and a few Aegean islands. Foça Karası is celebrated for its aromatic, flavorful wines, which are aromatic with notes of sour cherry, strawberry, black pepper, and licorice.

Foça Karası wines are light to medium-bodied, with high acidity. Aromas include sour cherry, strawberry, prune, clove, black pepper, dill, black currant leaf, and licorice. The wines are fresh and flavorful, with a distinct aromatic profile that pairs well with a variety of foods.

Foça Karası is mainly cultivated in the Foça region of İzmir, Turkey, and also found in small amounts on the Aegean islands, including Greece. The grape is now rare and championed by a few wineries such as Öküzgözü Şarapçılık.

Foça Karası was one of the first grapes to be introduced to France and other parts of Europe by the Phokaians, who are also credited with spreading viticulture throughout the Mediterranean.