DOCSLIB.ORG

Tasting the Wines of Israel; Our Other Wine Picks

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tasting the Wines of Israel; Our Other Wine Picks Tasting The Wines Of Israel; Our Other Wine Picks Old Jerusalem (Kyle Taylor/Flickr) Israel is certainly not high on the minds of most U.S. wine consumers. Although ancient wine production in Israel is documented through archeological evidence and chronicled frequently in the Bible, wine production and world attention has lagged among wine producing countries. According to a 2014 ranking of wine production by country, Israel ranked 58th behind wine “powerhouse” Cuba (48th), and Madagascar (53rd). vinifera grapes (Wkipedia) However insignificant the volume and notoriety, a recent tasting showed that quality is not is not relevant to rankings. Israel has the same latitude as San Diego and features hot and rain-free summers and wet winters — ideal for vinifera grape production. Israeli Winery The modern era for Israeli wine production began in the late 1800s with the establishment of Carmel Winery that had the support of Baron Edmund de Rothschild, owner of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Carmel Winery also led the development in the 1960s from sweet sacramental wines to modern, dry table wines. The modern Israeli wine industry is only a few decades old, however. Israeli wines can be frequently found in better U.S. fine wine stores. Most are reasonably priced, and are made from familiar European grape varieties. Golan Heights Winery (Shoshanah/Flickr) The Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, previously known as the site of a major tank battle between the Israelis and Syrians during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, is the source of some of Israel’s finest wines. The cool Golan Heights has a unique microclimate that is conducive to growing quality wine grapes with vineyards planted 4,000 feet in elevation. Occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day war, this area is a sub-region of Galilee where 38 percent of Israel’s vineyards are located. American wine consumers should be comfortable tasting Israeli wines since they place somewhere between California and French wines in style. We tasted a number of Israeli wines recently and selected four that we highly recommend. The Gilgal, Mt. Hermon and Yarden wines are part of the Golan Heights Winery family, while the Galil Mountain wine is a partnership with the Golan Heights Winery. Gilgal Syrah Rosé Golan Heights 2016 Gilgal Syrah Rosé Golan Heights 2016 ($16). This syrah rosé features a dollop of viognier and displays a bold strawberry color. Delicious strawberry, raspberry and cherry notes in a medium bodied frame make this a very easy to drink rosé. Mount Hermon Indigo Galilee 2016 ($14). A pleasant red wine blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah. Easy drinking with a soft impression in the mouth featuring plum and cherry notes. Galil Mountain ELA Upper Galilee 2014 Galil Mountain ELA Upper Galilee 2014 ($22). A blend of mostly barbera and syrah with a dash of petite verdot, and grenache. Notable acidity from the barbera gives this red blend a nice liveliness that is refreshing. One year of French oak aging. Medium bodied with cherry and raspberry elements. Delicious! Yarden Merlot Galilee Odem Vineyard 2014 ($110). This organic 100 percent merlot spent 14 months in French oak. This is a world-class wine that rivals some of the finest from Napa Valley. Still young even after seven years, this bold wine displayed plum, cherry and cedar notes in a very elegant frame. WINE PICKS Sea Slopes Fort Ross Winery Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016 Sea Slopes Fort Ross Winery Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016 ($35). Jeff Pisoni from the acclaimed Pisoni family, famous for their vineyards and winemaking, has crafted a tasty winner for the Fort Ross winery. This amazing wine exceeds expectations with a palate of black cherry, plum, and strawberry notes. Big and satisfying, this wine delivers on all levels. Oremus Mandolas Furmint Tokaj Hungary 2016 ($25). This dry white table wine from indigenous Hungarian furmint grapes is a must for those wine lovers seeking something different. Bright acidity marks this lime citrus scented and flavored wine that longs for a fish or chicken dish in a cream sauce. It should pair well with rich cheeses. Delicious! Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2015 Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2015 ($45). A big wine for those seeking a full- bodied experience. Rich, round and ripe fruit dominate this balanced chardonnay from all estate fruit that does not display much oak flavor despite some new oak exposure. Peach and melon notes dominate with a bit of minerality. Gehricke Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($35). This is a delicious, mouth-coating blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot. The price is very reasonable for what you get. Approachable with forward dark fruit flavors and a generous bouquet of black cherries and cinnamon. Nice cocoa powder on the finish. Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 2016 ($25). One of our perennial favorites, this appealing chardonnay is a good value. Complex, rich character with apple and tropical fruit flavors and oak-inspired vanilla and toast. MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 ($25). Reasonably priced for what you get here, this quaffable chardonnay owes its character to great vineyards, hard-harvested grapes, barrel fermentation and lees stirring. Generous tropical fruit and citrus notes with a dash of French oak and butterscotch. Ramey Wine Cellars Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 ($65). This producer is on a roll with its pinot noir and chardonnay program. We loved this opulent, concentrated chardonnay from a special vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Tropical fruit notes with a bit of citrus, mineral and toasted oak. Balletto Sexton Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 ($44). Lavender and cherry aromas are chased by bight cherry, strawberry flavors with a dash of cinnamon. Qupé Central Coast Syrah 2016 ($20). This generously flavored syrah is sure to please. Versatile to pair with pizza, pasta and burgers, it is blended with a bit of mourvedre, grenache and tempranillo. Broad palate of red berry and blackberry fruit with a dash of vanilla. Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr, MoreAboutWine, posted on SouthFloridaReporter.com, Oct. 29, 2018 Additional Wine reviews on MoreAboutWine All photos are randomly selected and do not indicate any preferred wine You can send questions to Tom Marquardt mailto:[email protected].
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Israeli Wine – at a Glance History Ancient History
    ISRAELI WINE – AT A GLANCE HISTORY ANCIENT HISTORY: 5,000 years of winemaking. A golden age in Biblical times. MODERN HISTORY: 700 CE onwards: Wine trade forsaken; Prohibition of alcohol. Vineyards uprooted. 1880’s-90’s Modern wine industry founded by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, owner of Ch. Lafite, with French expertise. 1980’s New World technology introduced to Israel with Californian expertise. 1990’s Beginnings of a small winery boom. 2000’s Israeli wine receives international recognition at the highest level. VINEYARDS CLIMATE: Mainly Mediterranean. Long, hot dry summers; short wet winters; snow on higher ground. Semi-arid & desert conditions, in the Negev. SOILS: Volcanic in north; sandy red soils on coast; chalk & limestone on the hills. HECTARES: 5,500 hectares (13,585 acres; 55,000 dunams). HARVEST: 55,000 metric tons VINTAGE: August to end of October - (often begins late July & occasionally ends early November); Machine & hand harvested. GRAPE VARIETIES VARIETIES – METRIC TONS %: Cabernet Sauvignon 18%; Carignan 17%; Merlot 13%; Shiraz/ Syrah 7%; Petit Verdot 5%; Colombard 4%; Muscat of Alexandria 4%; Argaman 5%; Chardonnay 3%; Petite Sirah 2%; Sauvignon Blanc 2%; Emerald Riesling 2%; Cabernet Franc 2%; Malbec 2%; Tempranillo 1%; Mourvedre 1% VARIETIES WITH LOCAL INTEREST: Argaman, Baladi Asmar, Hamdani/ Marawi, Jandali WINERIES NO. COMMERCIAL WINERIES: 70 NO. OF WINERIES: 300 + ISRAELI MARKET PRODUCTION: 40-45 million bottles of wine CONSUMPTION: 5 liters a head EXPORT EXPORT OF ISRAELI WINES: US$ 42 million MAIN IMPORTERS OF ISRAELI WINES 1. U.S.A; 2. France; 3. U.K; 4. Canada; 5. Poland, 6. Germany; 7. Holland EXPORT SALES 55+ % of exports to North America; 35+ % to Western Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • Read the Free Introduction to the New Wines
    The International Wine Review July-August 2012 Report # 32: The New Wines of Israel Introduction Israeli wines are relatively unknown to wine In this Issue enthusiasts. Yet this tiny Mediterranean country Introduction ..........................................................1 of 7 million inhabitants Acknowledgements ..............................................2 has a fast growing and dynamic wine industry Wine in the Land of Israel: A Brief History ................3 that is gaining recognition Wine Regions .......................................................5 in international markets The Vineyards and Grapes of Israel .......................6 for producing high Winemaking ........................................................8 quality wines. Since the 1980s, when there Wine Tourism .......................................................9 were very few wineries in operation in Israel, the industry has The Market for Israeli Wines ................................ 11 grown rapidly. Today there are over 240 wineries, both large Tasting Notes and Ratings ....................................23 and small, throughout the country from the Lebanese border Annex I: Israel’s Young Winemakers .................32 to the Negev producing 3 million cases from 4,800 hectares Annex II: Israel Wine Map .................................34 (12,000 acres) of wine grapes. Although the industry is dominated by a handful of large producers, there are many Previous Wine Reports .........................................36 new and outstanding boutique wineries and “garagistes” who are handcrafting wines comparable to some of the best in the world. In this report, the International Wine Review examines the new also examine the meaning of kosher and assess its impact on Israeli wine industry. We trace the growth and development of the wines. In the latter sections of the report we also examine the industry from ancient to modern times. We identify some of the growth of wine tourism within Israel and the challenges the important pioneers of the industry and their contributions.
    [Show full text]
  • Wine Catalogue Golan Heights Winery
    WINE CATALOGUE GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Soil. Topography. Climate. Three distinct grape-growing conditions for producing quality wines on an international level. In Israel, these optimal conditions exist in the Golan Heights. As in other premier wine regions worldwide, everything in this magical strip of land begins with the right conditions, a combination of volcanic basaltic soil, suit- able topography and high altitude resulting in cool climate found in the Golan. This is what gives the Golan Heights its second name: “Wine Country.” Over the years, the distinctive wines of the Golan Heights Winery have become world-renowned, winning dozens of awards at prestigious international competitions. Indeed, the Winery has placed Israel on the world wine map. Since its founding in 1983, the Golan Heights Winery has created four leading brands – Yarden, Gamla, Hermon and Golan. Today, it is considered Israel’s leading winery when it comes to wine quality, technological innovation, and new variety development. The Winery has played a significant role in nurturing the country’s current wine culture, and has altered the way Israeli wines are perceived worldwide. The Winery Name: Golan Heights Winery Location: Katzrin, Northeast Israel Established: 1983 Owners: Galilee and Golan Heights Vineyards, Inc. 4 Kibbutzim (collectives): El Rom, Ortal, Ein Zivan and Geshur 4 Moshavim (cooperatives): Ramat Magshimim, Yonatan, Allone Habashan and Ramot Naftali Subsidiaries: Galil Mountain Winery; Yarden, Inc. USA Brands: Yarden, Gamla, Hermon, Golan Harvest: 6,000
    [Show full text]
  • 1000 Best Wine Secrets Contains All the Information Novice and Experienced Wine Drinkers Need to Feel at Home Best in Any Restaurant, Home Or Vineyard
    1000bestwine_fullcover 9/5/06 3:11 PM Page 1 1000 THE ESSENTIAL 1000 GUIDE FOR WINE LOVERS 10001000 Are you unsure about the appropriate way to taste wine at a restaurant? Or confused about which wine to order with best catfish? 1000 Best Wine Secrets contains all the information novice and experienced wine drinkers need to feel at home best in any restaurant, home or vineyard. wine An essential addition to any wine lover’s shelf! wine SECRETS INCLUDE: * Buying the perfect bottle of wine * Serving wine like a pro secrets * Wine tips from around the globe Become a Wine Connoisseur * Choosing the right bottle of wine for any occasion * Secrets to buying great wine secrets * Detecting faulty wine and sending it back * Insider secrets about * Understanding wine labels wines from around the world If you are tired of not know- * Serve and taste wine is a wine writer Carolyn Hammond ing the proper wine etiquette, like a pro and founder of the Wine Tribune. 1000 Best Wine Secrets is the She holds a diploma in Wine and * Pairing food and wine Spirits from the internationally rec- only book you will need to ognized Wine and Spirit Education become a wine connoisseur. Trust. As well as her expertise as a wine professional, Ms. Hammond is a seasoned journalist who has written for a number of major daily Cookbooks/ newspapers. She has contributed Bartending $12.95 U.S. UPC to Decanter, Decanter.com and $16.95 CAN Wine & Spirit International. hammond ISBN-13: 978-1-4022-0808-9 ISBN-10: 1-4022-0808-1 Carolyn EAN www.sourcebooks.com Hammond 1000WineFINAL_INT 8/24/06 2:21 PM Page i 1000 Best Wine Secrets 1000WineFINAL_INT 8/24/06 2:21 PM Page ii 1000WineFINAL_INT 8/24/06 2:21 PM Page iii 1000 Best Wine Secrets CAROLYN HAMMOND 1000WineFINAL_INT 8/24/06 2:21 PM Page iv Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Hammond Cover and internal design © 2006 by Sourcebooks, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • DISCOVERING ISRAELI WINES Israwinexpo the 3Rd International Wine Exhibition
    w i n e DISCOVERING ISRAELI WINES IsraWineXpo The 3rd International Wine Exhibition Tel Aviv as seen from Jaffa Article and photos by W.C. Enoteca The word conjures up childhood Levant date back to 8000 B.C., with the first recorded Israel. images of the Holy Land and movies vineyard planted by Noah in 2000 B.C. I had seen showing dessert-like terrains. My first Israel’s wine industry further evolved thanks to a three- and recent trip to this impressive country showed me fold revolution which began with the founding of the another side altogether. As the plane landed in Tel modern Israel wine industry when Baron Edmond de Aviv I marveled at the surrounding greenery. In fact, I Rotschild, owner of Chateau Lafite founded Carmel was told that such verdant and fertile lands extend for Winery in 1882. The second phase ‘the quality hundreds of kms. north of the city. revolution’ was led by Golan Heights Winery, founded Although I was eager to see and learn more about in 1983, that applied the newest technology both in this fascinating country, the primary reason for my the vineyards and winemaking sectors. The third took visit was to attend IsraWinexpo 2010 and familiarize place in the 1990s, when the country’s wine market myself with Israeli wines. came of age with an eruption of boutique wineries, wine imports and stores that also led to ‘wine tourism’. Winemaking in Israel Israel devotes about 12,350 acres to vineyards, the Israeli winemaking began in the triangle that soils for which can range from volcanic in the north, encompasses the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Terra Rossa on the coast, chalk and limestone on the Sea of Galillee.
    [Show full text]
  • Premium Wine Room for Meet and Greet 12Pm-1Pm
    Premium Wine Room for Meet & Greet 12pm- 1pm 2017 Premium Wine Room for Meet and Greet 12pm-1pm 2006 Christian Moreau, "Blanchot," Grand Cru 2014 St. Aubin 1er Cru, F. Carillon, "Les Murgers des Dents de Chien" 2007 Von Hovel, "Scharzhofberger," Spatlese 2010 Brewer Clifton, "Gnesa," Santa Rita Hills 2004 Gevrey-Chambertin, Michel Magnien, "Les Seuvrées" Vielles Vignes 2005 Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Laurent Roumier 2005 Beaune 1er Cru, Nicolas Potel, "Greves" 2007 Volnay 1er Cru, Jacques Prieur, "Les Santenots" 2000 Domaine de Beaurenard, Châteauneuf du Pape 1997 Contratto, "Secolo Cerequio" 2005 Artadi, "Viñas de Gain" Paul Bara Reserve Grand cru Bouzy Brut wheelingforward.org • [email protected] • P 646.450.0077 • F 347.673.8305 WHEELING FORWARD INC. GRAND TASTING WINE LIST APRIL 29th, 2017 1PM - 4PM 2017 AP Wine Imports Bonhomie Imports Pierre Gaillard, Cotes Du Rhone Blanc, Viognier 2015 Elio Ottin, Fumin 2014 Eric Rodez, "Cuvee des Crayeres", Grand Cru Ambonnay NV Horse and Plow, “Drafthorse Red” 2015 Chateau de Chamirey, “La Mission”, Monopole, Mercurey 1er Cru 2014 Machine Breaker, Cattrall Vineyard, Eola Amity, Pinot Domaine Bryczek, "Clos Solon", Morey-Saint-Denis 2013 Gris 2015 Angel's Share Bordeaux Wine Council Scholium Project, “Prince in his Caves” 2015 Chateau Les Charmes, Godard Blanc, Francs, Cotes de Bordeaux 2014 Shelter, “The Butcher”, Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Clos Puy Arnaud, Castillon, Cotes de Bordeaux 2011 Red Hook, Bob Foley, Seneca Lake, Chardonnay 2013 Chateau Lilian Ladouys, Saint Estephe
    [Show full text]
  • Made in Israel: Agricultural Exports from Occupied Territories
    Agricultural Made in Exports from Israel Occupied Territories April 2014 Agricultural Made in Exports from Israel Occupied Territories April 2014 The Coalition of Women for Peace was established by bringing together ten feminist peace organizations and non-affiliated activist women in Israel. Founded soon after the outbreak of the Second Intifada in 2000, CWP today is a leading voice against the occupation, committed to feminist principles of organization and Jewish-Palestinian partnership, in a relentless struggle for a just society. CWP continuously voices a critical position against militarism and advocates for radical social and political change. Its work includes direct action and public campaigning in Israel and internationally, a pioneering investigative project exposing the occupation industry, outreach to Israeli audiences and political empowerment of women across communities and capacity-building and support for grassroots activists and initiatives for peace and justice. www.coalitionofwomen.org | [email protected] Who Profits from the Occupation is a research center dedicated to exposing the commercial involvement of Israeli and international companies in the continued Israeli control over Palestinian and Syrian land. Currently, we focus on three main areas of corporate involvement in the occupation: the settlement industry, economic exploitation and control over population. Who Profits operates an online database which includes information concerning companies that are commercially complicit in the occupation. Moreover, the center publishes in-depth reports and flash reports about industries, projects and specific companies. Who Profits also serves as an information center for queries regarding corporate involvement in the occupation – from individuals and civil society organizations working to end the Israeli occupation and to promote international law, corporate social responsibility, social justice and labor rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Land of Creation ORTRA Ltd
    Land of Creation ORTRA Ltd. 1 Nirim Street, Tel-Aviv 6109202, Israel Tel. +972 3 638 44 54 Fax. +972 3 638 44 55 Email : [email protected] WWW.ORTRA.COM Excursions INDEX 2015-2016 Israel’s Wonders 4 - 10 Discover the Cultures 11 - 17 From Jerusalem to Petra 18 - 23 Wine & Culture 24 - 30 Incentive Program 31 - 34 Active Incentives 35 - 38 ISRAEL’S WONDERS 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS DAY 1 WELCOME TO ISRAEL Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met by an Ortra representative before transferring to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Tel Aviv area DAY 2 TEL AVIV / JAFFA Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Bauhaus quarter - “The White City” - a unique urban and historical fabric of Tel Aviv which has been proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The visit continues on to Neve Tzedek, a picturesque village in the new city and the first quarter of Tel Aviv to be built outside of Jaffa. Lunch at a restaurant Afternoon in Jaffa, the oldest port in the world and inspiration for prophets, poets and legends as well as the scene of triumph for Pharaoh Thutmose III, Alexander the 1st, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Tel Aviv 5 DAY 3 CAESAREA / HAIFA / ACRE After breakfast, we will drive north along the coast to scenic Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the Holy Land. Here we will explore its excavated Roman harbor, amphitheater and Crusader fortress. Our tour continues to the Lower Galilee, where we will stop in Haifa, the greatest harbor of Israel, with its breathtaking panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the Western Galilee from the summit of Mount Carmel.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Israeli Wine Guide | Top 10 Reds
    The New Israeli Wine Guide | Top 10 reds Yair Gath, Gal Zohar TOP The New Israeli Wine Guide September 2014 20 The New Israeli Wine Guide | Top 10 reds A year has passed since we published our preview copy of the New Israeli Wine Guide. The encouraging response and practical criticism we received encouraged us to continue with our work. Now, after months of tasting, re-tasting, writing and editing we are happy to present the top 20 wine list from the 2015 issue which will be published in full around passover. Our work remains completely independent and without any commercial support. The principles that guide us haven’t changed either; Each winery was asked to send up to three wines of their choice and all tastings are blind and thus completely objective. Although we could not cover all the wines and wineries in Israel, the number of wines we have tasted increased substantially and therefor the 2015 issue will include a larger number on wines - newcomers and veterans. Adam Montefiore mentioned in his Introduction to the 2014 issue that the success of this project will be measured by its ability to be carried out over many years. We have done our best to succeed and hope you will enjoy the result. We would like to take this opportunity and thank all the wineries that participated and to everyone else who supported us - professionally and personally. Gal Zohar & Yair Gat The New Israeli Wine Guide | Top 10 reds Mourvèdre, Chateau Golan 2012 Yaar Yatir, Yatir 2010 Blend: 100% Mourvèdre Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot Region: Golan Heights and Merlot Ageing: 12 months in oak Region: Judean Hills Alcohol: 14% Ageing: 16 months in oak Alcohol: 15% Red Velvet Kosher Beautifully balanced, the nose shows dried herbs and fruit, a hint of floral notes and Brave old world some new well integrated oak spices.The Both pronounced spiciness and ripe fruit Palate is multi-layered with a super silky concentration on a surprisingly balanced and elegant mouthfeel, with lots of refined and perfumed nose.
    [Show full text]
  • 17 20 Conference Agenda Conference Information
    2-3 Conference Agenda 4-5 Conference Information 6-15 Conference Sessions 15 Award of Merit 16 -17 Registration Information 20 Conference Sponsors Dear Wine e are excited to present information for the 51st American Wine Society National Conference, to be held November 1-3, 2018. This year we travel to the Downtown Buffalo Hyatt and the Buffalo National Convention Center (BNCC) in Buffalo, New York. You’ll enjoy 2 ½ days of great wines, fantastic sessions, and most importantly, the chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. Please look over the information in this brochure, and if you have any questions, we will be pleased to answer them. Conference Wednesday | October 31 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open Thursday | November 1 | All events at BNCC except Hospitality Suite 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 1 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 2 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 3 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Beginning Wine Course-Super Tasting Series Level 1 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm “First Timers” Orientation 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Presidential Reception sponsored by Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux 7:00 pm - 9:30pm Welcome ‘Tailgate’ Reception (Wear your home-team spiritwear.) 10:00 pm - 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open (Hyatt) 2 americanwinesociety.org Conference Friday | November 2 | All events at BNCC except Hospitality Suite 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open (closed during meals) 7:30 am - 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast 8:45 am - 6:00 pm Exhibits
    [Show full text]
  • 1 the New Israeli Wine Guide
    1 The New Israeli Wine Guide Yair Gath, Gal Zohar The New Israeli Wine Guide March 2014 2 The New Israeli Wine Guide Table of contents: 3 Preface 4 Introduction by Mr. Adam Montefiore 5-6 Bordeaux blends 7-8 Other blends 9 Other red varietals 10-11 Mediterranean varietals and blends 12 Syrah 13-14 Cabernet Sauvignon 15 Sauvignon Blanc 16-17 Chardonnay 18-19 Other white varietals 20-24 List of wineries 3 The New Israeli Wine Guide Hello, Welcome to the first full edition of The New Israeli Wine Guide. After tasting more than 300 wines from the top 100 wineries in Israel, we assembled a list of The Best 70 Wines of Israel. All the wines were tasted double blind, to ensure impartial and completely objective notes and scores. Some of the wines are kosher, and some aren’t. Most of the wines are available outside Israel. The guide is divided to nine categories, each presents the wines won the highest scores in their category. Information about the wineries is available at the end of the guide, with a few descriptive words on each winery penned by us. We would like to thank everyone who helped us bring this mission to completion; the wineries, the messengers, the truck drivers, friends who supported us, those who followed on the social networks, the lucky few who tasted with us, the designer Ron Yadlin, the Hebrew editor Efrat Jeropy and the English editor Assaf Dudai. Hope you’ll enjoy it, at least as much as we did. Gal Zohar & Yair Gat 4 The New Israeli Wine Guide ByIntroduction Adam Montefiore The New Israeli Wine Guide is a new initiative to rate Israeli wines.
    [Show full text]
  • SEAHORSE WINES • Seahorse Wines, James Chenin Blanc 2012
    Julia has written the introductions to the profiles of the four very different Israeli wineries that produced the 26 wines we happen to have tasted reasonably recently. They range from the barely acceptable to the seriously inspiring. For a history of wine in Israel and detailed profiles of almost all Israeli wineries, see The Wine Route of Israel, by Eliezer Sacks, Yaron Goldfisher and Adam Montefiore (Cordinata 2012). SEAHORSE WINES A relatively new boutique winery (annual production around 10,000 cases) established by film- maker Ze'ev Dunie (pictured here) in Moshav Bar Giora in the Jerusalem Hills. His desire to make wine was ignited by his cinematic love story about the Israeli wine industry, Lying Down in a Cool Dark Place. He gained experience working at the Tzora winery with established winemaker Ronnie James. Just about everything is done by hand, including the labelling. Dunie specialises in Syrah and Zinfandel but is keen to see a wider range of varieties in Israel and eschews the addition of tannins and enzymes as well as the use of oak chips. Seahorse Wines, James Chenin Blanc 2012 Samson 39 year-old dry-farmed vineyard. Extended lees contact after barrel fermentation and ageing in French oak for nine months. The leesiness is very obvious but not too much. No one could possibly guess blind where this wine comes from. It's so ripe that it seems very slightly sweet but there is excellent, well- integrated acidity too. Great balance and very appetising. Crisp melon and passion fruit flavours but nothing industrial or out of place.
    [Show full text]