Kuzeybağ Öküzgözü 2014
Kuzeybağ remains one of those semi mysterious wineries. I’ve had their wine a few times, seen them a different events in Istanbul, and even met them. Despite all that I do not yet know their story. What I do know is that the winery makes a killer Öküzgözü.
Anatolia makes up the bulk of Turkey. Simplified (perhaps slightly too much) if it’s not the European side of the country (including part of Istanbul, Thrace, and the Marmara) it’s Anatolia. For wine purposes, Anatolia is then further divided into Eastern, Central, and Southeast districts. Kuzeybağ’s home is Eastern Anatolia in an area called Elazığ (El-AH-zih). Elazığ in turn is the home of the native Turkish grape Öküzgözü.
This tongue-twisting grape gets its name, Öküzgözü, meaning “bull’s eye” from its large, round shape and nearly black color. While the name might be a mouthful, Öküzgözü grapes usually produce Pinot Noir-like wines that are light red and medium bodied, with round, fruity flavors, some tannins, and rather lively acidity. The aroma profile of Öküzgözü wines often include: raspberry, dark cherry, mint, chocolate, eucalyptus, sour cherry, pomegranate, ripe plums, cherry marmalade, clove, and cardamom.
Kuzeybağ Öküzgözü 2014 Tasting Notes
In the glass the Kuzeybağ Öküzgözü was much darker than I am used to seeing from this grape. A deep, opaque color as if made with the juice of black cherries. A rather fitting comparison when matched with the nose. Red fruit aromas of cherries and pomegranate brightened by cool, fresh mint and a hint of chocolate. The palate carries some weight but at only 13% abv it is much lighter in body that the deep color suggested. Flavors of cherry, pomegrante, and chocolate give the impression of sweet profile. However the wine is kept from being syrupy by fresh acidity and silky tannins.