Everything About Okuzgozu Grape
"oh-KOOZ-guh-zoo" 
Okuzgozu Description
Origin: Elazığ Province, Turkey
History: Öküzgözü is a native Turkish red grape variety hailing from Elazığ Province in Eastern Anatolia. The name 'Öküzgözü' translates to 'ox eye,' a reference to the grape's large, round, dark-colored berries. Traditionally, it has been cultivated alongside Boğazkere, another indigenous variety, and the two are often blended to produce balanced wines that combine Öküzgözü's fruitiness and acidity with Boğazkere's tannic structure. In recent years, Öküzgözü has gained recognition as a varietal wine, showcasing its unique characteristics.
Appearance: Large, round, dark-colored berries resembling an ox's eye.
Growing Traits: Öküzgözü thrives in high-altitude vineyards, typically between 850 to 1,100 meters (2,800 to 3,500 feet), where the cooling effects of the Euphrates River and large reservoirs help retain the grape’s excellent acidity. It prefers well-drained soils and benefits from the continental climate of the Anatolian region, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. The grape is known for its resistance to drought and its ability to produce wines with bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors.
Food Pairing Öküzgözü's high acidity and fruit-forward profile make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as lamb kebabs, and dishes featuring tomatoes and eggplant. Its bright acidity also complements smoked dishes, including smoked chicken or turkey. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired meals and a variety of fish and meats.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium-bodied with a balanced structure, offering both freshness and complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. Moderate tannin levels, contributing to a smooth and approachable mouthfeel. High acidity, providing vibrancy and enhancing its food-pairing versatility. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 12-13%, contributing to its refreshing character.
Raspberry 
Cherry 
Pomegranate 
Mint 
Eucalyptus Öküzgözü wines are characterized by bright red fruit aromas, notably raspberries and cherries, accented by subtle minty hints. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with fine tannins and excellent acidity, leading to a refreshing and structured finish. The wines often exhibit a vibrant ruby color and can have additional notes of pomegranate and eucalyptus, contributing to their complexity.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/turkey.png)
Turkey
•Elazığ
•Ankara
•Cappadocia
•Thrace
Notable Wines and Producers
Kayra Öküzgözü
•Kayra Wines
Kavaklıdere Prestige Öküzgözü
•Kavaklıdere Winery
Vinkara Öküzgözü Reserve
•Vinkara Winery
Okuzgozu FAQ
Elazığ Province, Turkey
Okuzgozu has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Okuzgozu is Moderate bodied.
Okuzgozu has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Okuzgozu is Dry.
Elazığ Province, Turkey
Okuzgozu is grown in Turkey (Elazığ, Ankara, Cappadocia, Thrace).
Öküzgözü wines are characterized by bright red fruit aromas, notably raspberries and cherries, accented by subtle minty hints. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with fine tannins and excellent acidity, leading to a refreshing and structured finish. The wines often exhibit a vibrant ruby color and can have additional notes of pomegranate and eucalyptus, contributing to their complexity.
Öküzgözü's high acidity and fruit-forward profile make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as lamb kebabs, and dishes featuring tomatoes and eggplant. Its bright acidity also complements smoked dishes, including smoked chicken or turkey. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired meals and a variety of fish and meats.
Öküzgözü wines are characterized by bright red fruit aromas, notably raspberries and cherries, accented by subtle minty hints. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with fine tannins and excellent acidity, leading to a refreshing and structured finish. The wines often exhibit a vibrant ruby color and can have additional notes of pomegranate and eucalyptus, contributing to their complexity.