Grape expectations in Israel Israel’s grape harvest has begun with high expectations from all involved. The Grape and Wine Council anticipates a yield of
Founded in 1870 by the Teperberg family in the Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem, in 1964 the Teperberg winery was relocated outside the walls, to Motza, on the outskirts of the city, and there took on the name Efrat. For much of that time it produced primarily sacramental wines for the ultra-Orthodox community.
KosherToday.com is reporting that Israeli Wine Sales are up 40% for this Passover
Jerusalem...by Idele Ross, KT Bureau Chief...Israel's wine market, estimated at $270 million a year in sales, has reportedly seen a dramatic increase of 40% for this Passover. Israelis are becoming more sophisticated in their tastes and the Business Data Institute survey shows that there was a 4% increase in sales in 2006 when compared with 2005. This year the Orthodox community which generally prefers the sweet wines for ritual purposes, are also seen as a growing niche market for better table wines beyond the sacramental variety.
Daniel Rogov's Forum- Stratsplace
Yesterday (Monday, 24 March) found me on the Golan Heights with a group of wine and tourism writers. A profitable day as we visited several of the winery's best vineyards, could not help but be fascinated by the often exquisite scenery of the Golan and tasted two wines – the Merlot and the Syrah single vineyard wines from the Ortal vineyard, both from the 2004 vintage. It was my good fortune to pass much of my time while we were driving on the Golan in the 4x4 of senior winemaker Victor Shoenfeld.
On March 6th Wine Critic Gary Vaynerchuk -Wine Library TV tasted three great kosher wines.
Segals Cabernet Sauvignon, Galil Mountain Yiron and Ben Zimra Merlot- Click play, sit back and enjoy!
Although the 2004 was just released and I am told the 2004 is something to look forward to I revisited the Yiron 2003 and would like to add this to my wine of the week- a great rich full bodied wine- some oak and even a very slight sweetness of black cherries. Nice blend. very enjoyable wine!. I am posting the notes of both the Winemaker's as well as wine critic Daniel Rogov.
Winemakers notes:
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 7% Syrah. Galil Yiron is made from grapes grown in the higher elevations of the Upper Galilee, part of the Galilee viticultural area, considered the best winegrowing area in Israel. The wine is aged for 16 months in small French oak barrels. Complex and elegant showing a rich black cherry-berry nose balanced with fine notes of dried herbs, vanilla and oak. (Note the 2004 has a slightly different blend)
Kosher Today -If tourism officials and winemakers have their way, Israel will soon become a wine tourist destination in much the same was as it is in Tuscany, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, according to a report in Globes, Israel's leading business publication.
Zichron Yaacov and Binyamina are formulating a plan to create agricultural tourism with the aim of developing and marketing the area's wine culture. The Israel Land Administration (ILA) and the Zichron Yaacov Local Council have begun construction of a 150-acre Wine Park among the vineyards and wineries on the southeastern slopes of the town. The project combines tourism and recreation with the vintners and residences that are steeped in the wine tradition of the area from its beginning. Israeli wines have of late received broad recognition for their improved quality from wine experts throughout the world. Many of the kosher wines have received awards in the U.S. and have become popular additions to the growing roster of quality kosher wines.
From the Seattle Times
From Israel comes a deliciously different wine for dessert
By Paul Gregutt
BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER / THE SEATTLE TIMES
Seattle Times
I have to tell you, I'm not big on fruit wines. I mean, it's fine with me if your grandmother "puts up" dandelion or thimbleberry or some other oddball fermented beverage that falls under the general rubric of wine. But it's not really wine, is it?