Just when we were ready to throw in the towel and choose another Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to sip with dinner, the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) graciously sent to me (as samples) four bottles of intriguing wines. Thank you! It has been quite a while since I have had wines from Israel and I was thrilled to taste two whites and two reds that, by all accounts, reflect thousands of years of the country’s winemaking heritage blended with modern techniques and the character of the Mediterranean.
Photo Credit: www.domainenetofa.com
No surprise, Israel is one of the world’s oldest wine producing region where vineyards and wines produced are part of the fabric of its history, culture, and religious values. Vineyards are “part of a living landscape that connects the modern wine industry with stories, traditions, and places familiar to millions of people around the world.” Josh Greenstein, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), stated, “There’s something incredibly powerful about drinking wine grown in a land where vineyards have been cultivated for thousands of years. For so many people, Israel is not simply another wine producing country. There is a historical, cultural and spiritual connection to this land. When you share an Israeli wine at the table, you’re experiencing both a modern world-class wine and a small piece of an extraordinary history.”
www.winesisrael.com
Israel’s diverse terroir is integral in producing wines with complexity, structure, freshness, elegance, and balance. Now, wineries are lauded for crafting wines that truly mirror a deep connection to the land coupled with innovation in winemaking. In fact, “Israel is also recognized worldwide as a leader in agricultural innovation, particularly for pioneering drip irrigation, a breakthrough technology that transformed modern agriculture and viticulture across the globe. Many IWPA wineries utilize advanced irrigation systems to produce exceptional wines despite limited rainfall. Drip irrigation delivers slow, targeted hydration directly to each vine’s root zone through a precise network of tubes and emitters, dramatically reducing water loss through runoff and evaporation. This precision allows growers to tailor irrigation according to grape variety, soil type and microclimate, helping vineyards achieve remarkable consistency, depth and character across Israel’s diverse growing regions.”
Four Wines, One Land, Centuries of Israeli History
From mountain vineyards of the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee to the hills of Judea and the Jerusalem corridor, the wines reviewed below, exude quality, diversity, the ability to pair with an array of foods, and a true sense of place and spirit. L’Chaim to that!
Yatir Winery Darom White 2024
Of 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 31% Colombard, and 21% Muscat d’Alexandria from the Judean Hills and the Negev, this was absolutely delicious with crab cakes and a light sauce. On the nose, I found aromas of grilled lemon, ripe peaches, and dried leaves. Savory and balanced, flavors of herbs, pepper, and orchard fruit were lifted with snappy acidity. Grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks then aged for 4 months in concrete amphorae and 500-600 liter oak barrels.
Yatir winery has set itself the goal of emphasizing regional uniqueness in its wines. The winery’s pride – “The Yatir character” begins with the high altitude vineyards planted in clay limestone soil, and a dry, cold desert climate at night, creating a very distinct terroir. Eran Goldwasser, Yatir’s chief winemaker, is committed to the highest quality – from the selection process and cultivation of the wine grapes, to the harvest, fermentation, aging and bottling process – all complemented by the latest technology and equipment. The first Yatir wine was created in 2001. Yatir Winery
Lahat 2023 Lavan White Blend
From the Upper Galilee, this beautiful blend of 70% Roussane, 25% Viognier, and 5% Marsanne was savory on the nose with joyous herbs, overripe citrus, pepper, pear, orange jam, and crisp red apples. On the palate, more citrus, lemon, grass, and slight earth flavors were mouthwatering with baked salmon under a blanket of dijon mustard and panko bread crumbs with a side of light pasta.
Six plots were harvested for the preparation of this wine: Roussanne and Viognier from the Ben Ayun vineyard in Alkosh, and Marsanne from the Peki’in vineyard in the western Upper Galilee. To them were added Roussanne from Ein Zeitim, as well as Roussanne and Viognier from Kerem Balua; plots located in the eastern Upper Galilee. After harvest, the grapes were received at the winery and cooled overnight. The next morning, the berries were separated from their seeds, and after a short soaking, they were gently squeezed to separate the juice from the berries. At the end of sedimentation, the must was blown into 400 and 500 liter barrels, for the production of which a dedicated precisely roasted wood was chosen for white wines and long aging. About 20% of the barrels are first use. The wines were subjected to prolonged fermentation in barrels at a temperature of c°18 – 20 without malolactic fermentation. Lahat Winery
Zion Winery Capital Lion’s Gate 2024
A gem, this dry red blend of 46% Marselan, 32% Grenache, and 22% Caladoc from the Judean Hills harkens to the Southern Rhone Valley, but with a definitive Israeli style. Aromas of Mediterranean herbs, dried flowers, savory black cherries, red fruit compote, and sweet baking spice wafted from the glass. Balanced and textured with soft tannic structure and bright acidity, I found flavors of cherries, red berries, oak, and spice leading to a lingering, dark fruit finish. Aged for 10 months in small French oak barrels, this wine was a win with juicy burgers and a freshly baked mushroom galette.
Zion Winery is owned and managed by the Shor family, known as the first wine family in Israel with a heritage of over 170 years in the wine industry. Their family winery was founded in 1848 in the Old City of Jerusalem. Later the winery changed its name to Zion Winery, which emphasized both the winery’s and family’s connection to Jerusalem. In the 1980’s, the winery moved to Mishor Adumim, not far from Jerusalem. Under the management of the late Moshe Shor, the winery was refurbished with the latest, new technology and the winery grew to become the sixth largest winery in Israel. Zvika Shor, the winery’s winemaker, continues the winemaking tradition passed down from his father. Zvika manages the winery’s vineyards planted in a variety of wine regions in Israel, from Ramat Arad in the northern Negev to the Golan Heights. Pini Sarig, the well-known viticulturist, is a consultant, accompanying Zvika Shor from the planting of the vineyards through to the harvest. Zion Winery
Tabor Wines Artisanal Creation 2023
Revadin Vineyard is planted in the peaks of the Judean Hills that boasts limestone soils. Of 100% Marselan, I found savory aromas of dried leaves, earth, and rich dark fruit. More earth along with cedar, coriander, tobacco, cola, and dried black fruit compote were bold and powerful on the palate. Framed with firm tannins and moderate acidity, this wine of Mediterranean character was aged for 18 months in French oak. If you decide not to age the Marselan for a few more years, decant for about 45 minutes before enjoying. Each sip was notable with our dinner of marinated chicken thighs baked with artichokes, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
A quarter of a century ago, four old winegrowing families from Kfar Tabor recognized the magic inherent in the mountain and from then until today we continue the legacy. Tabor vineyards are spread all over the country, and are a mosaic consisting of the extraordinary wealth of Israeli terroir. All the winery’s vineyards are ecological and sustainable that preserve and preserve the delicate balance between man and nature and between the past and the future. Over the years, the winery has enjoyed recognition from the international wine community and has won awards that fill us with pride and are a source of energy to continue our work and strive for perfection. This, in order to create the bottle of wine, contains years of work and thought, a combination of traditional processes alongside advanced technologies and many decades of love and passion for wine.
And one small wish, which we add to every bottle, that will be the perfect partner for your good, special and meaningful moments. Tabor Wines
“Wine has always been about connection,” Josh Greenstein remarked. “It brings people together, sparks conversation and helps create lasting memories. For many people, the Wines of Israel also provide a meaningful connection to a land that is central to their faith, heritage or history.” It’s your turn to find these wines and close that link.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
