The Boğazkere grape is a quintessentially Turkish variety, renowned for producing wines with exceptional character and distinctiveness. Boğazkere directly translates to ‘throat burner’ in Turkish, a moniker attributed to the grape’s high tannin levels, providing a robust and pronounced flavour that can be quite astringent in its youth.
The grape is primarily grown in the Diyarbakir region of South-East Turkey, distinguished for its hot summers and mild winters. The unique blend of the region’s climate and the vine's thick skins contribute to the grape's ability to mature decadently, producing powerful and full-bodied wines. Predominantly, Boğazkere wines are deep and inky in colour, boasting aromas of dried fruits, figs, and even leather. The taste is generally rich, with blackberry, prunes, spices, and high tannins which provide a bold, enduring finish.
A predominantly red wine grape variety, Boğazkere is often blended with other Turkish grape varieties. Most notably, it is combined with the Öküzgözü grape to balance the high tannins, resulting in a smoother, more rounded taste. This successful combination is a common feature in the world of Turkish wine production, producing a deep, bold and balanced wine that truly encapsulates the depth and diversity of the country's native varieties.
Boğazkere wines are best enjoyed with hearty dishes, primarily red meat and game, which complement their robust flavours. As these wines age, they mellow, becoming smoother and more elegant with a complexity that enhances their bold flavours.
In conclusion, the Boğazkere grape contributes significantly to Turkish viticulture and winemaking. The wine made from this variety is a testament to Turkey's rich, diverse, and unique winemaking tradition, offering a distinctive taste experience for wine enthusiasts. Its bold, fiery character, coupled with the potential for grace and elegance as it ages, makes Boğazkere a grape worth exploring for those seeking to discover the less-trodden paths of the wine world.
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