Indigenous variety · White grape · Aegean
Sultaniye
About this grape
Sultaniye is the Turkish name for the grape known internationally as Sultana or Thompson Seedless. It is believed to originate in Anatolia — so it is ancient to Türkiye — though it is a globally cultivated table and raisin grape rather than a localized regional variety.
In Türkiye it is grown chiefly in the Aegean region, particularly around Manisa and Denizli. Beyond fresh fruit and raisins, its high yield and neutral character make it the principal base grape for rakı.
- Profile
- Light-bodied, fresh, simple; low tannin, moderate acidity
- Best experienced in
- Aegean — Manisa & Denizli
- Pairs with
- Grilled fish, shellfish, salads
Growing conditions
A pale green, oval, seedless grape. As a wine grape it gives dry to semi-dry, light-bodied, fresh whites that are simple and low in complexity next to noble varieties. It is low in tannin with moderate acidity, and is an early-to-mid ripening, high-yielding variety.
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
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
Producers growing this grape
Denizli · Selcen, Çal (Denizli)
Ezel Şarapları
A family producer in Selcen, Çal (Denizli), founded in 2006 by Mehmet Atılsın and named after the family's daughters. Ezel is one of the wineries along the emerging Çal Vineyard Route (Çal Bağ Yolu).
Grape varieties: Çalkarası, Sultaniye, Öküzgözü, Boğazkere
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
Denizli · Çal
Pamukkale Şarapçılık
Based on the Çal plateau in Denizli, working with the indigenous Çalkarası grape. Easily combined with a visit to the Pamukkale travertines on the same trip.
Grape varieties: Çalkarası, Sultaniye, Bornova Misketi, 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sultaniye the same as Thompson Seedless?
Yes — Sultaniye is the Turkish name for the grape known as Sultana and, in the U.S., Thompson Seedless.
- Is Sultaniye a traditional Turkish grape?
It is believed to originate in Anatolia, so it is ancient to Türkiye, but it is a globally grown table and raisin grape rather than a localized indigenous wine variety.
- What is Sultaniye used for besides wine?
It is mainly a table grape and the leading raisin grape, and it is the principal base grape for Turkish rakı.
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