Indigenous variety · Red grape · Aegean
Karalahna
About this grape
Karalahna is an indigenous black grape grown almost exclusively on the island of Bozcaada (ancient Tenedos). Its name translates from Turkish as "black cabbage."
Before the privatization of Türkiye's state alcohol monopoly it was used mainly for Turkish brandy, owing to its high acidity. Today only a small number of producers — chiefly Bozcaada's long-established estates — work with the variety.
- Profile
- Deep colour, high acidity, firm tannin; oak-friendly
- Best experienced in
- Bozcaada island
- Pairs with
- Grilled meats, mantı, barbecue
Growing conditions
A late-ripening variety, harvested from mid-September, well adapted to Bozcaada's windy, sandy conditions. It delivers deep color, high acidity, and a prominent tannic structure, producing medium- to full-bodied wines that respond well to oak aging. Aromatically it leans on ripe plum and dark fruit.
Where it's grown
Aegean
Stretching from the Urla peninsula to the island of Bozcaada, the Aegean coast is one of Anatolia's deepest viticultural landscapes — volcanic soils, cooling sea breezes, and indigenous varieties like Bornova Misketi and Urla Karası shape the region's terroir. Boutique wineries offer tastings, vineyard tours, and on-site stays.
- Key grape varieties
- Bornova Misketi, Urla Karası, Sultaniye
- wineries
- 31
Thrace
Covering Tekirdağ, Kırklareli, Şarköy, and Eceabat, Thrace is where Türkiye's vineyards meet the Marmara — a mosaic of indigenous varieties like Papazkarası and Karasakız alongside well-established international plantings. The Trakya Bağ Rotası links over a dozen producers across rolling hills, with farm-to- table dining and vineyard stays at many stops.
- Key grape varieties
- Papazkarası, Karasakız, Cabernet Sauvignon
- wineries
- 25
Producers growing this grape
Aegean · Bozcaada
Ataol Şarapçılık
One of the oldest wine producers on Bozcaada. Founded in 1927 by an island family in the years immediately following the founding of the Turkish Republic, Ataol Şarapçılık is now run by the third generation.
Grape varieties: Çavuş, Vasilaki, Kuntra, Karalahna
Aegean · Bozcaada
Çamlıbağ
One of the heritage estates of Bozcaada, working with the island's indigenous Çavuş, Vasilaki, and Karalahna grapes alongside international varieties.
Grape varieties: Vasilaki, Çavuş, Karasakız, Karalahna
Aegean · Bozcaada
Corvus
A leading contemporary Bozcaada producer with extensive island plantings and an active program of indigenous-grape research.
Grape varieties: Karalahna, Karasakız, Çavuş, Vasilaki
Thrace · Mürefte, Şarköy (Tekirdağ)
Kutman Şarapları
A historic family producer in Mürefte on Tekirdağ's Marmara coast, in operation since 1896 across four generations. The estate also houses the Kutman Wine Museum, founded in 2004.
Grape varieties: Karalahna, Karasakız, Öküzgözü, Cabernet Sauvignon
Aegean · Tire, İzmir
Paşaeli
A family-owned producer founded in 2000 by Seyit Karagözoğlu, based in the İbni Melek industrial zone in Tire (İzmir). The name comes from the ancient city of Paşaelis; fruit is sourced from estate and contracted vineyards across several Turkish regions.
Grape varieties: Karasakız, Sıdalan, Çakal, Yapıncak
Thrace · Eceabat
Suvla
A large estate on the Gallipoli peninsula combining vineyards, a restaurant, and a flagship shop. Open daily for visitors.
Grape varieties: Karasakız, Karalahna, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Aegean · Bozcaada
Talay Şarapçılık
A Bozcaada winery operating since 1948 and one of the island's six wine producers. The Talay family carries a viticultural heritage said to reach back to Ottoman times; today the business is in its third generation, and the estate remains one of the traditional custodians of the island's indigenous varieties.
Grape varieties: Çavuş, Vasilaki, Kuntra, Karalahna
Frequently asked questions
- What does the name Karalahna mean?
It translates from Turkish as "black cabbage."
- Where is Karalahna grown?
Almost exclusively on the island of Bozcaada, off Türkiye's northern Aegean coast.
- What kind of wine does Karalahna make?
Deeply colored, tannic, medium- to full-bodied reds with high acidity; it ages well in oak and is often blended with Karasakız (Kuntra).
Last reviewed: