Öküzgözü

Öküzgözu - description and properties of the Öküzgözu vine

Origin

Öküzgözü (Ö-küs-gö-sü) means “ox eye”, originally from the middle east of Anatolia (Elazığ), and derives its name from the fact that it has such large black berries that resemble an “ox eye” .

spread

The vine is mainly found in central southern Anatolia (Nevşehir / Cappadocia) and  found in central northern Anatolia (Ankara, Uşak). But it is cultivated everywhere in Turkey, including the Thrace and Aegean regions.

Features

The wine obtained from it is medium-bodied on the palate and produces round, fruity wines with some tannins and a rather lively acidity. The alcohol content is usually between 12,5% ​​and 13,5%.

Öküzgözü generally has a slightly higher acidity and a medium body, which offers a delicate bouquet. The vine has mostly fruit and floral aromas, which results in soft and easy-to-drink wines. Due to the acid it contains, the wine can age well. Öküzgözü is very suitable as a cuvee with Bogazkere.

Climate & Environment

In terms of climate, Öküzgözü prefers cold winters and hot, dry summers. In Elazig and Malatya the vineyards are 850 to 1100 meters high. The Euphrates and its two dams (Keban and Karakaya) have changed the climate in the region and made the harsh winters and dry hot summers somewhat milder.

ground

In terms of soil conditions, the vine prefers red clay and decomposed granites, which tend towards slightly calcareous clay soils or sandy clay with limestone underneath.

Berry and ripening

Öküzgözü has large, round, black and fleshy multi-grain berries. The grape has a long growing season and ripens in the second half of September.

AROMA

The flavor profile creates aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, mint, chocolate, eucalyptus, sour cherry, pomegranate, ripe plum, cherry jam, clove and cardamom.

Food recommendation

The wine is therefore suitable for casseroles, kebabs, smoked foods, aubergines and grilled red meat.