Öküzgözü

Öküzgözü: A Turkish Delight

Öküzgözü is a red-skinned grape variety originating from the Elazığ province of Turkey. It produces light-bodied, low tannin wines with fresh and fruity aromas of strawberry and raspberry, as well as subtle notes of black pepper, spice and earthiness. On the palate, the wine has a soft texture and gentle acidity, with flavors of red berry fruits and a hint of tobacco.

Öküzgözü is widely planted in Turkey, where it is primarily grown in the Elazığ and Malatya provinces. It is also found in small quantities in Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of North Macedonia. Öküzgözü is a vigorous variety and requires careful management in the vineyard. It has a tendency to produce high yields, so careful pruning and canopy management are essential to ensure quality fruit. The variety ripens late and can benefit from a long hang time on the vine, which can lead to increased complexity in the wine. The grapes are usually destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with extended maceration to extract maximum flavor and color from the skins. In Turkey, Öküzgözü is primarily used to produce light-bodied, fresh and fruity wines with low alcohol content. The wines tend to be delicate and aromatic, with flavors of red berry fruits and subtle herbal and spice notes. In Romania and Bulgaria, the variety is used to make richer, more full-bodied wines, with higher alcohol content and more concentrated flavors. The light body and fresh fruit flavors of Öküzgözü make it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, light salads, and fish or poultry dishes. The variety is also well-suited to spicy foods such as curries, as the subtle spice notes in the wine help to complement the heat of the dish.

Öküzgözü is Turkish for 'ox eye', referring to the distinctive shape of the berries, which are said to resemble an ox's eye.