Vitikultur Foça Karası
Red grape
Dark • Versatile
Foça Karası
Foça Karası is an ancient black grape native to Foça, the coastal district north of İzmir. It is regarded as one of Türkiye's ancestral varieties.
By tradition its history reaches back to the ancient colony of Phocaea, whose settlers are said to have carried vine cuttings westward — a story best told as legend rather than verified ampelographic fact. The variety nearly disappeared as Foça's vineyards were abandoned, and is now being revived with local support.
- Type
- Red grape
- Origin
- Aegean
- Profile
- Dark, thick-skinned, late-ripening; red, rosé and blanc de noir styles
- Best experienced in
- Foça, north of İzmir
- Pairs with
- Grilled vegetables, burgers, sausages, poultry; served chilled
Growing conditions
A late-ripening variety, harvested at the end of September, with dark, thick-skinned berries. Beyond wine it is also used for traditional grape molasses (pekmez). In the cellar it is made as varietal red, rosé, and blanc de noir, and used in blends.
Where it's grown
Producers growing this grape
Aegean · Urla
USCA Bağcılık
A small-batch Urla producer focused on indigenous and rediscovered Anatolian grapes. Visits are by appointment and centered on the vineyard itself.
Grape varieties: Urla Karası, Bornova Misketi, Foça Karası, Cabernet Franc
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Foça Karası from?
It is native to Foça, a coastal town north of İzmir on Türkiye's Aegean coast.
- Why is Foça Karası historically important?
It is regarded as one of Türkiye's most ancient grapes and is traditionally linked to the settlers of ancient Phocaea.
- What styles of wine are made from Foça Karası?
Varietal red, rosé, and blanc de noir wines, plus blends; the grape is also used to make traditional grape molasses.
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