Urla, Turkey: A Historical and Gastronomic Overview of a Wine Region

Urla, located in the province of Izmir on the Aegean coast of western Turkey, has a long and varied history. The Ionians founded the city in the 11th century BC, and over time it was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Genoese, and Ottomans.

Urla is also famous for its wine production; the first wine grapes were planted here by the Ionians in the 6th century BC. In this blog post, we will explore the history and gastronomy of Urla's wine region.

The city of Urla has a long tradition of winemaking, dating back to the Ionians. The Ionians founded the town in the 11th century BC and planted the first grapevines. The grapes were used to make wine, an essential part of ancient Greek culture.

The wine was used for religious ceremonies and social events and was also thought to have medicinal properties. The Romans began to occupy Urla in the second century BC and continued the winemaking tradition. When the Byzantine Empire took control of the city in the fourth century AD, wine production increased significantly. The Byzantines exported wine to other parts of their empire, and Urla became known for its high-quality wines.

In the 13th century, the Genoese took control of Urla and the surrounding region. The Genoese were great maritime traders who introduced new grape varietals to the area. They also built many of the city's grandiose buildings, such as the Urla Castle. The Ottomans conquered Urla in the 15th century, and under their rule, the city became an important center for trade and commerce. 

The antique city of Klazomenai

It is located near Urla, home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world. The tree is estimated to be over 3000 years old and still produces olives! The olives from Klazomenai are used to make olive oil, an essential ingredient in many of Urla's dishes.

Today, Urla is still an important center for trade and commerce, and its wine industry is thriving. The city is home to many local wineries, and the surrounding region produces some of Turkey's unique wines. 

The climate in Urla is ideal for viticulture, with hot summers and mild winters. The city is located on a hillside, and the vineyards are terraced, which helps to protect the grapes from the strong winds that blow in from the Aegean Sea. The soil is also rich in minerals, giving the wines a distinctive flavor. 

Worth trying grape varieties in Urla

One of the most widespread grape kinds is Bornova Misketi, also known as Muscat Blanc in the world of wine.

MUSCAT BLANC

The white grape variety most likely originated in Italy or Greece, or, to put it more broadly, "from the Mediterranean area." It is the noblest of all Muscat grapes but isn't the most prevalent.

Around 300 names attest to the history and global expansion of the plant. Numerous kinds have various berry colors, including white (the most common), yellow, grey, green, pink, and red.

While the grape is most commonly associated with dessert wines, it can also be used to make sparkling wine, table wine, and even Sherry.

Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante are two of the best-known Italian wines made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The French variety Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is the most planted in the world.

In Germany and Austria, Muscat Blanc is known as Muskateller.

Muscat of Alexandria, also known as Moscato Greco, Zibibbo, or Amber Muscat, is a member of the Muscat family of grape varieties, including over 200 grape varieties.

Muscat of Alexandria is a sweet, aromatic wine grape used to make dessert wines, liqueurs, and fortified wines. The grape is also used as a table grape and for making raisins.

The Muscat of Alexandria grape is believed to have been brought to Spain by the Moors in the 12th century. After that, the grape spread to Italy, France, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

The Muscat of Alexandria grape is also grown in North Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and California.

Food in Urla

The cuisine of Urla is a reflection of the city's long and varied history. The dishes are influenced by Turkish, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine cuisine. Many of the ingredients used in Urla's recipes are grown locally, such as olive oil, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and herbs. Seafood is also prevalent in Urla, as the city is located on the Aegean coast. The most common seafood dishes are fish stew, octopus salad, and fried calamari.

OD URLA RESTAURANT

The artisan-style kitchen of Restaurant URLA can replicate the distinct vibe of Urla. It mixes local ingredients with creative cuisine skills.

Winery in Urla

Hus Winery

Juan Pablo Diaz Leon and Ceylan Ertorer Diaz Leon established the Hus winery in 2018. Winery thinks that wine should be an accurate representation of its roots.

Çakır Winery

With 21 years of viticulture expertise and a love for wine, the Çakır Winery in Urla Kuşçular Village welcomed visitors in 2020.

Today, the city of Urla is a popular tourist destination. The city is known for its olive oil production, wine production, and gastronomy. The city is also home to several historical sites, such as the ruins of the ancient city of Assos.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy good food and wine, then Urla is the place for you. This city has a lot to explore, and you will find something you enjoy.

I hope this article has helped give you a better understanding of the history of the city of Urla.