The Aegean

The Aegean is where Türkiye grows most of its grapes. Vineyards cover a wide area from Urla and Bornova near İzmir to Manisa's Gediz plain and the high plateaux of Çal and Güney in Denizli. Hot, dry summers are balanced by evening sea breezes.

Native grapes

• Sultaniye: Manisa's seedless grape, making light, fresh whites and also known as a raisin grape.
• Bornova Misketi: İzmir's aromatic white grape, floral and grapey on the nose.
• Çalkarası: the red grape of Çal in Denizli, mostly made into rosé.
• Foça Karası: a rare red grape from Foça in İzmir, now being revived.

Urla and Denizli

In recent years the Urla peninsula has stood out for small producers reviving old native grapes. Denizli's plateaux, above 800 metres, grow grapes that keep their acidity thanks to cool nights.

The Aegean at the table

Wild greens, olive-oil dishes and seafood: our baked sea bass and octopus draw on this region's cooking.