The red grape variety (also Çal Karasi) originates from Turkey; the name means "Black of Çal". It should not be confused with the morphologically very similar varieties Adakarasi, Horozkarasi, Kalecik Karasi or Papazkarasi (but it is assumed that some of them may be identical). The medium to late ripening vine generally has good resistance to disease. It produces fruity, acidic, rather light red wines with soft tannins and raspberry aromas. The variety is cultivated on the eponymous Çal peninsula in the Pamukkale region (Denizli province) in the southwest of the country at an altitude of 600 to 850 metres above sea level. It is mostly used as a blend of red or rosé wines. The large Kavaklidere winery uses it to make the famous rosé wine Lal. It is also used for the distillation of raki and the production of raisins. In 2016, 806 hectares of vineyard area were designated (statistics Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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