The Oak and the Heart: How We Balance French and Hungarian Oak at 502 Vineyards
Not all oak barrels are created equal—and at 502 Vineyards, where every bottle of Turkish wine is crafted by hand and heart, we treat oak aging as an art form. Especially when working with our signature local grape, Merzifon Karası, we rely on the unique characters of both French oak and Hungarian oak to shape and elevate the final wine.
For us, aging isn’t about trends or technique. It’s about giving each wine the structure, warmth, and soul it deserves—without ever overpowering what the vineyard already gave us.
Why Oak Still Matters in Turkish Wine
In a region where Turkish wine is undergoing a quiet renaissance, oak aging offers depth without distraction. At 502, we don’t use oak to add flavor—we use it to reveal character. Our small-batch wines are wild fermented, sulfite-free, and made with minimal intervention, so when we do bring in oak, it’s intentional.
French Oak vs. Hungarian Oak: A Family Balance
French Oak
Brings elegance, roundness, and smooth texture
Adds soft vanilla, toast, and subtle spice
Ideal for more delicate expressions of Kalecik Karası, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merzifon Karası
We age our Merzifon Karası / Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 in 100% French oak for eight months to allow both varietals to integrate gracefully, keeping their identity while gaining depth.
Hungarian Oak
Delivers boldness, spice, and structure
Infuses flavors of clove, smoke, and deep wood tones
Supports more intense, naturally wild wines
Our Merzifon Karası / Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, wild fermented with no added sulfites, is aged entirely in Hungarian oak, enhancing its natural texture and untamed energy.
Each barrel brings a different emotion to the wine. French oak speaks in whispers; Hungarian oak, in song. And somewhere between them is the voice of Diakopa—strong, honest, and unforgettable.
Why This Matters for Turkish Wine Today
Turkish wine is finding its voice on the global stage—not through imitation, but through authenticity. At 502 Vineyards, that means returning to native varietals, embracing natural fermentation, and aging in oak only when it amplifies, not disguises, what the land gives us.
Our careful use of oak aging in Turkish wine—particularly with local grapes like Merzifon Karası—shows how tradition and innovation can coexist. One barrel at a time.
Wines to Explore the Difference
Merzifon Karası / Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
→ Wild fermented, no sulfites, aged 8 months in Hungarian oak
→ Bold, structured, earthy and full of spiceMerzifon Karası / Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
→ 8 months in French oak
→ Elegant, smooth, with a deep, balanced finish
Each wine tells a different story—of grape, barrel, and the quiet work behind it all.
In Every Barrel, A Bit of Us
As a family winery with only 15,000 liters per year, we treat every barrel as a member of our team. We check them often, taste patiently, and never rush. These barrels are more than tools—they’re partners in expressing Turkish terroir. From our high-altitude vineyards in Gümüşhacıköy, to your table, everything we do is rooted in care.
Our goal has never been to produce the most. Only the most honest.