Elazığ Öküzgözü grape, also known as Devegözü, is a grape variety distinguished by its large and fleshy berries. It takes its name from the large size of its fruits. Cultivated under the unique ecological conditions of Elazığ, this variety has been registered by the Tekirdağ Viticulture Research Institute. It is recognized as a strong rootstock resistant to external conditions. The plant has moderate growth vigor, with internode spacing ranging from 10–12 cm. The cluster weight varies between 140–420 grams, with the number of berries per cluster ranging from 60 to 152. The berries are juicy, large, broadly oval-shaped, and dark red-purple in color.
The mature leaves are rounded and five-lobed. Shoots grow horizontally; their internodes are green with red streaks. The flowers are hermaphroditic, fully developed in both male and female organs. The pulp is slightly firm, very juicy, and has a medium-thick skin. The anthocyanin level in the pulp is low. Juice yield is high, making the variety especially suitable for winemaking.
Elazığ Öküzgözü Grape (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Geographical Distribution and Ecological Adaptation
Elazığ Öküzgözü grape is cultivated not only in Elazığ city center but also in the districts of Arıcak, Alacakaya, Ağın, Baskil, Karakoçan, Keban, Kovancılar, Palu, Sivrice, and Maden. The cultivation region lies at an altitude of 850–1000 meters, consisting of microclimatic valleys surrounded by mountains. The streams flowing through these valleys, along with the Keban and Karakaya dam lakes, soften the regional climate, improving grape-growing conditions. The permeable, deep, fertile, easily warmed, and nutrient-rich soil profile in the Elazığ Plains enables the grape to withstand summer drought and winter cold. These soil and climate conditions shape the distinctive taste and quality of Öküzgözü.
Climate Characteristics
In Elazığ, the annual average temperature is 12.9 °C, with recorded extremes of 42.2 °C maximum and -16.5 °C minimum. Average relative humidity is around 55%. The average soil temperature is 16.5 °C, and spring and autumn rainfall is beneficial for the grape. The water demand of the vines continues from early May to mid-August. Limited summer rainfall does not cause fungal diseases and is not harmful to the grape.
Chemical and Physical Composition
Analyses show that the average berry length of Öküzgözü grape is 22.9 mm and its width 19.4 mm. The acidity rate (as tartaric acid) is 0.82%; pH value is 3.37. The dry matter content in the berry is 19.8%, while in grape juice it is 21.8%. The Brix level is 21%. These properties demonstrate the grape’s high quality and juice yield potential.
Usage and Economic Value
Öküzgözü grape is consumed both as a table grape and for winemaking; it is also available in dried form in the market. In particular, its juicy structure and medium-thick skin make it highly suitable for wine production. Thanks to its distinctive taste and aroma, it cannot reach the same quality when cultivated outside Elazığ. It is a variety adapted to the local region and cannot preserve its original flavor and aromatic profile under different climatic conditions.
History and Production
Viticulture in Elazığ dates back centuries. In the 1930s, following Atatürk’s visit to Elazığ and his appreciation of a local wine, Tekel was encouraged to establish wine production facilities in the city. An experimental workshop was established in 1942, and a wine factory in 1945. The Buzbağ wines, produced by blending Öküzgözü with Diyarbakır’s Boğazkere grape, gained international recognition.
According to 2013 data, 7,977 farmers in Elazığ cultivated grapes on approximately 106,000 hectares, producing 130,000 tons annually. Of this production, 77,000 tons were table grapes, 52,000 tons wine grapes, and 1,000 tons dried grapes. The majority of wine grape production is based on Öküzgözü.
Inspection and Geographical Indication
Elazığ Öküzgözü grape is a geographically indicated product registered with number 108. Production is supervised under the coordination of the Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Agriculture. The inspection committee consists of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Elazığ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Union of Grape Producers, and agricultural engineers. During the harvest and export periods (September–October), inspections are carried out at least three times a year. The right to use the geographical indication is granted to producers based on protocol.
