Indigenous variety · Red grape · Mediterranean
Acıkara
About this grape
Acıkara — the name means "bitter black" — is a rediscovered indigenous black grape from the highlands of ancient Lycia. In 2002, Burak Özkan, founder of Likya Vineyards, followed a shepherd's account of a wild black vine and found a single vine growing up a pine tree near Elmalı, Antalya.
After more than a decade of study, DNA analysis confirmed it as a unique Turkish genotype unrelated to any known local or international variety. The first small commercial bottling appeared in 2012; the variety is grown at around 1,100 m on limestone soils.
- Profile
- Bold tannin, deep violet-black colour, black pepper and dark fruit
- Best experienced in
- Elmalı highlands, ancient Lycia (Antalya)
- Pairs with
- Pork, rich fish, blue cheese dishes
Growing conditions
A thick-skinned, high-tannin variety that produces medium-bodied wines with a dense violet-black color and strong color stability. Typical aromatics include black pepper, black cherry, plum, pear, and blackberry. It is notably rich in phenolic compounds.
Where it's grown
Denizli
The high plateaus of Çal and Güney in Denizli host cool-climate vineyards, including the indigenous Çalkarası grape that gives its name to the region's signature rosés. Proximity to the travertines of Pamukkale makes Denizli a natural pairing of wine, nature, and ancient ruins on a single trip.
- Key grape varieties
- Çalkarası, Sultaniye, Bornova Misketi
- wineries
- 9
Mediterranean
The strip between the southern foothills of the Taurus range and the Mediterranean coast is one of Turkey's most distinctive warm-climate viticultural settings. On the Elmalı plateau in Antalya, vineyards rise past 1,000 metres, where the Mediterranean climate meets cool mountain air — a terroir that supports both rescued indigenous varieties such as Acıkara and a full international set.
- Key grape varieties
- Acıkara, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- wineries
- 2
Producers growing this grape
Denizli · Hançalar, Çal (Denizli)
Kuzubağ
A modern family winery in Hançalar village (Çal/Denizli) led by Salih and Aslı Kuzu. Vineyards have been planted since 2007; the winery building was completed in August 2021 and annual production runs to around 169,000 bottles.
Grape varieties: Çal Karası, Kalecik Karası, Acıkara, Narince
Mediterranean · Elmalı (Antalya)
Likya Şarapları
A 420-hectare vineyard and winery on the Elmalı plateau of Antalya, sited at 1,100 m elevation. The estate was founded in 1998 by brothers Burak and Doruk Özkan and built with modern Italian and French equipment.
Grape varieties: Acıkara, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Frequently asked questions
- What does the name Acıkara mean?
"Bitter black," referring to the grape's dark, thick skin.
- Is Acıkara a new variety?
No — it is an ancient native variety that was nearly lost and rediscovered from a single wild vine in 2002 by Likya Vineyards.
- Where is Acıkara grown?
Almost exclusively around Elmalı near Antalya, in the highlands of ancient Lycia, on high-altitude limestone soils.
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