{"id":991594,"date":"2025-04-27T22:50:49","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T19:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wayanatapas.com\/?p=991594"},"modified":"2025-04-27T22:50:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T19:50:50","slug":"toros-daglarinin-unutulmus-uzumleri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wayanatapas.com\/en\/toros-daglarinin-unutulmus-uzumleri\/","title":{"rendered":"THE FORGOTTEN GRAPES OF THE TOROS MOUNTAINS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For our second article on the Elmal\u0131 terroir, we focus on the forgotten grapes that have recently come back into the spotlight in the region. When we look at the wines made from new grape varieties that have gained recognition in the wine world over the past ten years, we see that a significant number originate from the Toros region, produced by Likya Wines. Moreover, as we move eastward from Elmal\u0131, other examples grown on the Toros highlands, now integral parts of wine menus, also reveal themselves.\nIs the magic hidden within the Toros Mountains themselves? Or is it the result of the dedicated search to rediscover these grapes? In this article, we will explore the information available to us in pursuit of this answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The (For Now) Sole Producer in the Elmal\u0131 Terroir: Likya Wines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a previous blog post, we discussed at length the unique terroir identity of Elmal\u0131, analyzing its soil structure, climatic characteristics, and historical background. About thirty years ago, the \u00d6zkan Family recognized Elmal\u0131\u2019s potential. With Burak \u00d6zkan leading the way, they embarked on a long journey and founded Likya Wines.\nIn this article, rather than focusing on the producer, we will emphasize the process and experiences involved in reviving forgotten grapes. Since the detection, propagation, and documentation of these grapes have all been undertaken by Likya Wines, the story revolves around Likya\u2019s vineyards and production facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likya Wines' Vineyards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likya produces about 40 different wines across various segments, all made exclusively from their own vineyards. Their vineyard area spans over 600 decares. About one-third of this area, roughly 200 decares, is dedicated to experimental grape cultivation and is not used for commercial production.\nUsing such a large area essentially as a laboratory reflects how deeply Likya values these efforts.\nIn simple terms, 400 decares of commercial vineyard work tirelessly to support the growth, development, and nurturing of the other 200 decares \u2014 much like how we all strive for the growth of our own children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rise of Forgotten Grapes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking back today, it might seem as if Likya\u2019s sole mission was to find lost grapes, but the journey was not that straightforward. However, Likya was adept at interpreting the clues they encountered and realized that these forgotten grapes could act as a lever, helping them differentiate and position themselves uniquely within the wine community.\nThe first grape they stumbled upon during this process was Ac\u0131kara, which wine enthusiasts now know well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you consider that Burak \u00d6zkan spent almost ten years rehabilitating this ancient variety, it becomes clear that reviving a grape can take nearly as long as raising a human child.\nAc\u0131kara\u2019s revival became a turning point for Likya. Realizing that Ac\u0131kara couldn\u2019t be the only forgotten grape, they started tracing more hidden gems in their region. Thanks to this long journey, we have been given the chance to reconnect with the grapes that this land once gifted us but that we had forgotten over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Grapes Were Rediscovered?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the number of forgotten grapes reached a notable level, Likya Wines created a new series called ARKEO. There are currently six wines in this series, five of which come from revived local grapes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n