Trying Israeli Wines for the Holidays
The wine was sent to me complimentary, but this post reflects 100% of my opinion.
Israeli wines
Courtesy of Isreali Wine Producers Association
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, released an official map of wine regions, split into seven areas: Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Negev, the Coastal Plain, the Valleys and the Carmel Mountain range. It is not that wine is new as it has been produced for thousands of years, with innovation coming into play for several years now, with techniques like drip irrigation that has revolutionized agriculture, making Israel one of the fastest wine growing regions in the World. The diversity of its soil and microclimates offer endless possibilities: from bold reds to crisp whites, it is surely putting Israeli wineries on the map, with more than 40 of then joining the Israeli Wine Producers Association.
Here are a few I tried:
Barkan Reserve Gold Gewurztraminer 2024: made from grapes that grow in the Upper Galilee, at the Alma Vineyard, it is fruity and aromatique. This wine pairs well with pungent cheeses, spicy dishes, or meats like duck or pork.
Barkan Reserve Gold Gewurztraminer 2024
Darom by Yatir Red 2023
Darom by Yatir Red 2023: this medium-bodied wine is a blend of Shiraz, Zinfandel, Marselan, and Grenache grapes from the Negev region. It is fresh and fruity, with aroma of plum and blackberry. This is a perfect wine with grilled meat, spicy sausages (especially merguez that is one of my favorites) or mediterranean dishes like pasta.
Psagot Sinai White 2024: this wine from Judea is a dry blend of Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier grapes, giving a floral, fruity and refreshing taste that pairs well with soft cheeses, seafood, grilled vegetables or salads.
Psagot Sinai White 2024
Tura Mountain Vista Heartland Blend 2023
Tura Mountain Vista Heartland Blend 2023: this dry red wine from Judea and Samaria is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that is aged 12 months in French Oak barrels. Rich and intense, it pairs well with red meat, pasta, curries and cheese.
And there are much more Israeli wines worth trying. You can find them online or can check out the large selection at Astor Wines and Spirits.
Enjoy (I did)!
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