I'm always on the lookout for Israeli wines. Leading about two dozen tastings a year, and liking to both try and introduce others to something new or unique, it's good to keep trying new wines and expanding my horizons. The pandemic has made getting to the wineries a challenge, and worldwide supply chain issues have impacted wine being exported from Israel as well.
One thing I can say for sure: if you see something you like, get it. Inventory and resupply are ongoing challenges: I was pricing some things online on a Tuesday and by Thursday they were out of stock.
What are we drinking? A mix of some old favorites and new arrivals. I'm planning to open a newer favorite, a Vitkin Pinot Noir for first seder with the poultry, as well as our go-to white, the Dalton Unoaked Chardonnay. When the Vitkin is gone, we'll consider another nice Israeli Pinot from Tura, and some beautiful blends from Jezreel Valley Winery at Kibbutz Hannaton, the Nahalal and Adumim blends.
For Second Seder, with the brisket, I'm thinking more along the lines of Merlot and Shiraz. The Tulip Merlot and Reserve Syrah and sure to make an appearance, as well as the Dalton Estate Shiraz, the Matar Stratus. I'm planning to try the new Darom by Yatir Red, if not during the beginning of the holiday, certainly before the end. This year we started drinking the wines from the Mony winery, a model of coexistence of a winery run by the brothers at a monastary, on land owned by the Israeli Arab Artul family in the Galilee supervised by the orthodox rabbinate. I hope to experience it this summer.
Other wines to look for? The Dalton Fume Blanc, the whites from Tishbi, the Wild Yeast Fermentation Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Segal, I recommend all the wines from Galil Mountain, from their dry Viognier to their fruit-forward syrah and Barbera based blends, the Ela and Alon.
Whatever you drink, enjoy good food, good company and good wine. Chag Kasher v'Sameach!
I discovered the price range below which I can tell the difference and above which my palate doesn't justify the price. I have no clue what goes with what or why, I only like reds, usually choose blindly and like what I chose but have no idea why I should prefer a merlot or a cab or whatever at any particular moment. Don't bother explaining, Steve, I'm blissful in this state of ignorance. Joyful holidays to you and yours!
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