This rather delicious, old-world-styled Turkish red is from Elaziğ in Eastern Anatolia, the birthplace of wine. This is in the south east of the country, not all that far from the Iraq border. It’s grown at 850-1100 m on chalky clay and decomposed granite. The variety is named ‘eye of the bull’ and produces large black berries with high acid and moderate tannins. Kayra used to be part of the state monopoly and was privatised in 2004. It was bought by Diageo in 2010.

Kayra Öküzgözü 2012 Anatolia, Turkey
13% alcohol. Wonderfully expressive nose of sweet red cherry fruit with some berry notes and leather and herbs. The palate is fresh and expressive with good acidity and tannins. There are warm, leathery, spicy notes accompanying the red berry fruits. It’s not a fruit bomb but it has structure and great harmony, with a lovely savoury edge. It reminds me a bit of Xinomavro or Aglianico. 93/100

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