Kalecik Karasi

Kalecik Karasi is a red grape variety mostly found in the Anatolia region of Turkey. It was discovered in the village of Kalecik, hence its name.

Kalecik Karasi has a deep ruby colour and produces fruit-forward wines with aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries and blackberries. The taste profile is characterised by high acidity and soft tannins with a hint of spice.

Kalecik Karasi is mostly found in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, in the sub-regions of Ankara, Nevşehir and Kırşehir. It is also found in small amounts in Bulgaria and Romania. Kalecik Karasi grows best in hot, arid climates, with plenty of sunshine and low rainfall. The grape prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions. The yields of the grape are low and the vines are sensitive to frost. In terms of winemaking, the wines are typically made in a fruit-forward style, with a light body and low tannins. Some winemakers even create delivious fruit-forward light Rosé wines. Kalecik Karasi wines from the Ankara region tend to be light-bodied, with a long finish. Wines from Nevşehir are generally more full-bodied, with a more concentrated fruit character and higher tannins. Wines from Kırşehir are more structured and intense. Kalecik Karasi wines pair nicely with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and vegetables to lighter fare such as salads and fish. They also pair well with Turkish cuisine, such as kebabs, mezes and hummus.

According to one hypothesis, the variety or an ancestor was already cultivated around 1,500 BC in the Hittite empire of that time, which encompassed large parts of present-day Anatolia.