Chamlija Öküzgözü Boğazkere
Chamlija Winery is a huge pioneer in Turkey. They experiment not only with various winemaking methods but also grape varieties. Chamlija is responsible for us having Turkish Riesling, Alvarino, Mavrud, and soon Assyrtiko. However, the winery does not ignore indigenous grape varieties.
Öküzgözü and Boğazkere are two of Turkey’s most common black vinis vitifera grapes. They are more at home in their native areas of Turkey, Elazığ and Diyarbakır respectively. Very few wineries in Thrace make wine with these grapes at all. Even fewer actually grow the grapes themselves.
Chamlija Öküzgözü Boğazkere 2015 Tasting Notes:
Amongst Turkish varietals, Öküzgözü and Boğazkere are natural blending partners. Boğazkere, which translates as “throat burner” is an aptly named grape. Often difficult on its own, the grape’s aggressive tannins are balanced by Öküzgözü’s lively acidity and generally softer 
personality. When applied judiciously, oak aging can help round out some of the rougher edges as well.
Because Boğazkere can be so overpowering it often takes on a smaller role in blends; but not here. However, while the Chamlija Öküzgözü Boğazkere is a 50/50 blend the wine displayed a character closer to Öküzgözü with its low tannins and alcohol (12% abv).
The nose was full of ripe, red fruits and milk chocolate with swirls of light caramel. Six months in French oak gave the wine some smoothness and those lovely caramel aromas but high acid and an absence of tannin threw off the balance. The general lack of complexity combined with a juicy fruit character and low alcohol make this a pretty great red wine for summer.