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Ekim-Kara (translated as "Black Doctor") is a historic and exceptionally rare red grape variety from the Crimean Peninsula. These berries mostly yield legendary, viscous, and dark fortified dessert wines. Smelling of dried plums, dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla, they offer a unique, luxurious taste full of deep traditions for sweet wine enthusiasts.
Read moreDue to very specific cultivation requirements, this variety is a true rarity. When choosing, it is important to understand that this is a classic Eastern European dessert wine.
Ekim-Kara grapes are not usually used to produce dry wines. The harvest is picked very late, allowing the berries to naturally shrivel in the sun and accumulate a massive amount of sugar. During production, fermentation is halted by adding grape spirit, and the wine itself is aged extensively in oak barrels. This is exactly how the famous Chorny Doktor (Black Doctor) style wine is born, standing out with a syrupy texture and balanced acidity.
A wine of such intensity and sweetness requires specific, dessert gastronomy. It is a flawless partner for dark chocolate, truffles, walnut and honey desserts, and dried fruits. For cheese lovers, it will be a perfect contrast to strong blue mold cheeses (e.g., Roquefort).
According to ancient Crimean legends, the grape was named by locals in gratitude to a wise physician (doctor) who used this dark wine, exceptionally rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, to treat his patients and restore circulation. The official variety name remained Ekim-Kara, which translates from Turkic languages as Black Doctor.
Absolutely. Due to the high amount of natural sugar, firm tannins, and increased alcohol (fortification), Ekim-Kara wines are practically immortal. High-quality bottles of this variety can improve in the cellar for 20, 30, or even more years, acquiring even deeper nuances of resin, molasses, and autumn leaves over time.
