““It is rumored that during the Roman Empire, wine was sent from Ankara to the Roman palaces. If this rumor is true, the wine sent must be red wine made from Kalecik Karası grapes. Because, according to the research we have done over the years, Kalecik Karası grape is not only the best red wine grape in our country, but its wines are of a quality that can compete with the world-famous French quality red wines. Accordingly, we can say that Kalecik Karası grape is for Turkey what Pinot Noir grape is for the French.”

The above quote comes from Prof. one of the leading faculty members of Ankara University Faculty of Agriculture. Dr. I made it from Arif Akman. The continuation of this article by the late Akman, who we passed away in 1995, is a very valuable document in terms of understanding the adventure of the Kalecik Karası grape in the last hundred years. I recommend those who are curious to read it from the link at the end of the article. Please remember that the article is in Turkish.

Winemaking from the Kalecik Karası grape has a recorded history dating back to the founding years of the young Republic. We see in these records how the reformist identity of our country during its founding period enabled rapid progress in the field of wine, as in every field. History tells us that in the following years, as the governments abandoned their reformist identities to conservative identities, the collapse began in the wine field, as in every field.

Kalecik is the main birthplace of this grape, which grew in Ankara and its surroundings, which used to have large vineyard areas. Phyloxera, which ravaged this entire geography in the 1960s, also devastated Kalecik Karası vines. After this disaster was over, with a project carried out by Tekirdağ Viticulture Research Institute, selections were made among Kalecik Karası vine clones and the grape was revived in both Thrace and Kalecik regions.

Kalecik Karası is a black grape with blue tones. Medium-sized round grains with thick shells. The grains grow in cone-shaped, tight clusters. The fruity identity of Kalecik Karası wines is very strong. Depending on the region where it grows, it produces delicious wines featuring strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Kalecik Karası wines have low tannins, medium body and quite strong acidity compared to the average of red wines.

Kalecik Karası is versatile and has a structure suitable for almost all kinds of wine applications. WAYANA Wine Menu includes a very rich variety of Kalecik Karası wines. It is possible to taste not only red wine, but also white samples produced as rosé, blanc de noir, and those made only with natural yeast. Considering that the Kalecik Karası grape is grown almost everywhere in our country, it is useful to remember the different wines made from grapes that grow in very different terroirs and reflect the characteristics of their terroirs.

For Arif Akman’s article: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/79470