Boğazkere
Boğazkere is one of Anatolia’s most powerful and characteristic red grape varieties. Its homeland is Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia region, also called Mesopotamia in history, the lands brought to life by the Tigris River. Grown for centuries in the ancient vineyards of Mesopotamia, the grape takes its name from its intense tannins: tasted young, it leaves such a strong sensation in the throat that it came to be known as “Boğazkere”, the “throat-burner”. Today it is regarded as one of Turkey’s most valuable indigenous grapes, distinguished by its outstanding aging potential.
Boğazkere has also been successfully cultivated in Ankara’s Kalecik vineyards in recent years, where the region’s climate and soils have given it a new interpretation. The microclimate created by the Kızılırmak, high altitude and marked differences between day and night temperatures preserve the grape’s natural power while helping it develop a more balanced and elegant structure. Kalecik’s unique climate and soil conditions impart a balanced acidity and tannin structure to Boğazkere grapes, so that the Boğazkere grown here carries the character of its homeland while offering a more refined and balanced profile.
The wines produced from these vineyards are deeply colored, in shades of deep ruby and dark purple, rich in tannins and highly acidic. On the nose, aromas of ripe blackberry, black mulberry, damson plum and black cherry come to the fore, while notes of black pepper, clove, cocoa, tobacco and leather may develop over time. Their full body, firm tannins and lively acidity produce complex, layered wines that can continue to evolve for many years.
One of Boğazkere’s most striking features is its high aging potential. Boğazkere from Kalecik has the potential to develop more complex and rich aromas when aged in oak barrels, gaining notes of vanilla, coffee, dark chocolate and sweet spice to reach a deeper, more sophisticated character. This evolution makes Boğazkere not only a powerful grape, but also an elegant and multi-layered one.
The strong tannin structure and pronounced acidity make these wines an excellent match for red meats, especially grilled and roasted dishes, as well as game, lamb and slow-cooked meat dishes. Their firm tannins and rich aromatics create balanced and impressive pairings with intensely flavored food.
For Vinkara, Boğazkere is one of the most important grape varieties representing Anatolia’s deep-rooted winegrowing culture, enhancing the wine diversity of the Kalecik region. Bringing the ancient heritage of Mesopotamia together with Kalecik’s distinctive terroir, this precious grape is a powerful testament to the great potential of Turkey’s indigenous varieties. In every bottle it continues to carry the wisdom of the past, the character of the land and the richness of Anatolian wine culture.
