Indigenous variety · Red grape · Aegean
Karasakız
About this grape
Karasakız is one of the oldest black grapes of the northern Aegean and Marmara, recorded on Bozcaada island for at least 500 years. On Bozcaada it is known almost exclusively as "Kuntra"; Karasakız is the standard name used on the mainland.
Historically a workhorse variety used for spirits during the state monopoly era, it has returned to quality winemaking through the boutique producers of Bozcaada and the Gallipoli Peninsula.
- Profile
- Low tannin, bright red fruit and spice; Gamay-like
- Best experienced in
- Bozcaada & the Gallipoli Peninsula
- Pairs with
- Grilled meats, savoury tarts, roasted vegetables
Growing conditions
An early-ripening variety with thin-skinned, medium round berries. It yields low tannin, medium-to-low acidity, and relatively high alcohol, with bright red-fruit (cherry, strawberry) and spice character — often likened to Gamay or Pinot Noir. It suits rosé, sparkling, and light-bodied red styles.
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
Thrace · Eceabat, Çanakkale
Asmadan Bağcılık ve Şarapçılık
An integrated estate in Eceabat (Çanakkale) combining a winery, a boutique hotel, a restaurant and a viticulture museum. The same complex is also referred to in some sources as the Bengodi Boutique Hotel.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
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 · Eceabat, Çanakkale
Etruscan
A boutique vineyard estate in Eceabat founded by Prof. Dr. Bedirhan Üstün. The complex pairs the winery with a 20-room boutique hotel and restaurant, with capacity for around 40 overnight guests.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Karasakız
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
- Are Kuntra and Karasakız the same grape?
Yes. Kuntra is the local name used on Bozcaada island for the grape known elsewhere in Türkiye as Karasakız — they are one variety.
- Where is Karasakız grown?
In northwest Türkiye — on Bozcaada, the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) Peninsula, and the Marmara island of Avşa.
- What style of wine does Karasakız make?
Fruity, spicy, light-to-medium-bodied reds with low tannin, plus rosés and sparkling wines; the style is often likened to Gamay.
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