Wine Spectator scores a few more Israeli Wines
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I tried the Recanti Shiraz during the Wine Festival at the Israel Museum a couple of weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. I was wondering if you have reviewed the Domaine Ventura, which was my favorite of that night.
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Indeed Domaine Ventura was quite impressive with his line of wines, I really liked the Cabernet Franc, the Chard, and the 2007 Isaacs. I was not so in love with the Cabernet Sauvignon or the Merlot or the Rose. The Reubens was nice as well.
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I’m curious as to what your opinion is on Israel having a signature varietal and which varietal do you think that may turn out to be.
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This is a question that is often raised on the forums and one that the late Daniel Rogov thought about as well. I always said that it could be Cabernet Franc, others think old vine Carignan and Petite Sirah, as these vines were from the old days on Israel’s wine industry. Others think it will be Bordeaux blends or Cabernet Sauvignon – I guess time will tell.
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I just saw that the international wine review Israel report seems to think that it might be Shiraz/Syrah. They write “While only 7 percent of total plantings, Syrah appears to be growing in importance and over time could become Israel’s #1 red grape.”
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Hey Steven, yes the article was quite solid, but I am not sure where they make the jump to Syrah being the grape of Israel. Yes, the grape does grow well in hot climates around the world, that is similar to Israel’s environment. However, that is not the criteria for defining the grape of Israel. I guess – it can be added to the pool, but I think the final decision is still a bit off, though locking down the criteria for this decision would be great. Even that is not decided. For most it would be popularity, like Shiraz was in Australia or Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, or maybe Pinot Noir in Oregan/Washington. However, others will define it as age ability – like Bordeaux in France and Cabernet in Napa. I guess the jury is out until the criteria is defined and history has its say, since other than some of Yarden’s great wines, neither criteria have been hit square on.
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