Vitikultur Vasilaki
White grape
Crisp • Citrus
Vasilaki
Vasilaki is the principal white grape of Bozcaada (ancient Tenedos). According to Slow Food records it was introduced to the island from Alexandroupoli — in present-day Greece — in the early 1900s and has been cultivated there ever since; so while it is emblematic of the island, its deeper origin lies across the northern Aegean rather than being strictly Turkish.
Roughly 60 tonnes are grown in Türkiye each year, worked by a handful of producers. It is considered somewhat at risk as old island vineyards are replanted with international varieties.
- Type
- White grape
- Origin
- Aegean
- Profile
- Dry, light, crisp; citrus, orange peel, clove
- Best experienced in
- Bozcaada island
- Pairs with
- Seafood, olive-oil meze, white meat, cheese
Growing conditions
Its thin-skinned berries perform best on calcareous soils. It makes dry, light-colored, refreshing wines with finely textured, balanced acidity and a tendency to oxidize. Typical aromatics include citrus, orange peel, clove, and fresh-leaf notes.
Where it's grown
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
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
- Where is Vasilaki grown?
Almost entirely on the island of Bozcaada in Türkiye's northern Aegean.
- What style of wine does Vasilaki produce?
Dry, light, refreshing whites with crisp acidity and citrus, clove, and orange-peel aromatics.
- Is Vasilaki originally Turkish?
It is the traditional white grape of Bozcaada, but it was introduced to the island from Alexandroupoli in the early 1900s, so its origin lies across the wider northern Aegean.
Last reviewed: