Among the wine grapes offered by the rich grape portfolio of our country, four varieties born in Bozcaada immediately come to mind. Among these, Vasilaki and Sıdalan are used in white wine production, while Kuntra and Karalahna are used in red wine production. The grape known as Vasilaki in Bozcaada is called Altıntaş on the mainland, and Kuntra is called Karasakız. Remember that the Karasakız grape we will discuss in this article is the same as the Kuntra you encounter.
Karasakız has been a grape widely cultivated in large areas of Balıkesir and Çanakkale. Due to its characteristic suitability for brandy production, TEKEL promoted the cultivation of Karasakız, but after privatization and the closure of the brandy factory, producers found themselves unable to sell their grapes. The closure of the TEKEL factory in 2007 took the heaviest toll on the Karasakız grape. Vineyards were either uprooted and replaced mainly with fruit trees or abandoned.
Kuntra viticulture in Bozcaada was less affected by this. The island’s long-established producers such as Çamlıbağ and Talay, as well as the more recent Corvus winery, have continued Kuntra viticulture and wine production. These wineries still produce Kuntra wines today.
Returning to the Anatolian side, we observe that the resentment towards Karasakız began to change a few years ago. This shift is largely due to the observed changes in Turkish winemaking. Despite the negative impacts of the current government's wine policy, there is tremendous dynamism in the wine sector. This movement is particularly evident in more niche areas related to wine. For example, the adoption and rehabilitation of old vines and the increasing interest in natural wine production are surprising developments that add significant dynamism to the sector.
Karasakız vineyards have benefited positively from both of these niche areas. Particularly the initiative undertaken by Yaban Kolektif has changed the fate of some vineyards in the region. To reach a wider group of producers, the harvested grapes were shared with different producers, ensuring a broad base of involvement. Thus, within the last three years, a suddenly vibrant Karasakız market has emerged. The Karasakız wines produced by each producer with their unique approach have been positioned on a different level from the average Karasakız examples we are accustomed to seeing in our country. Among these producers, we see both established ones like 7Bilgeler and younger initiatives like Yaban Kolektif and Canavar.
The resulting wines have paved the way for Karasakız to evolve from an identity confined to brandy production into a competent wine grape. Wine lovers have been excited by the diversity and quality of the Karasakız examples they encounter. The unique characteristics of different vintages raise expectations for future Karasakız examples.
At WAYANA, we offer a wide range of Kuntra and Karasakız wines. Among these, there are both conventionally produced and natural wines. Each example in different segments has its unique signature. But all are worth getting to know, and one of them will surely suit your palate. You just need to decide to get to know them.
