Wines from Israel for National Wine Day May 25
Rare, small-production wines are of special interest to anyone engaged in viticulture, because it’s always exiting to learn about the unusual grape varieties grown in faraway lands. However, even the well-known kinds of fruit that prevail in the top wine-producing regions differ from the familiar when developed in another appellation. They carry on some special characteristics of the foreign soil, distinctive features of the climate, and are a product of locally developed techniques and methodologies. For wine experts as well as for regular consumers who appreciate a casual glass of wine on occasion, discovering these new wines can turn into a fascinating journey.
This month, make a goal of trying new, unknown wines in celebration of the National Wine Day on May 25! And since May is also a Jewish American Heritage Month, let’s take a closer look at the wines from Israel, rooted in biblical traditions and produced by highly-skilled contemporary winemakers, savvy in their trade.
“Wine is about connection—bringing people together around the table,” says Josh Greenstein, Executive Director of the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) that represents nearly 40 wineries across the country. “Israeli wines offer something truly special. These are wines with history, soul, and a modern vibrancy that resonates with today’s consumer. What makes Israeli wine so compelling is the balance—thousands of years of heritage paired with bold innovation.”
IWPA has a mission to “elevate global recognition of Israel as a premier, world-class wine-producing region by educating, promoting, and introducing its diverse, high-quality wines to U.S. consumers.”
So let’s taste the wines from various regions of Israel, suitable for celebrations, and easily paired with all kinds of food.
Rosie 2023, Wild Brut Dry Sparkling Rosé Wine from Psagot Winery, located in the high altitude terroir of Jerusalem Mountains is 85% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay. This premium sparkling wine underwent a second fermentation when bottled, following méthode champenoise (or rather méthode traditionnelle) for its fine, lively bubbles. With crisp, refreshing palate and bright flavors of citrus and red berries, it pairs well with diverse cuisine, like salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, fried chicken, and soft cheeses, especially brie and goat cheese.
Shiloh Privilage Winemaker’s Blend Blanc 2025 from Judean Hills is produced by Shiloh Winery from 39% chardonnay, 26% French Colombard, 15% chenin blanc, 14% viognier, and 6% riesling. Coming from the ancient vineyard region, it’s a new, first-ever white blend of five grape varieties. Golden color, floral aromas, flavors of tropical fruit, and smooth, silky texture with a long, refined finish, are best expressed when served chilled. Pairs with lighter fare, like Mediterranean cuisine.
Lahat Lavan 2023 from Lahat Winery in Galilee, is a special blend of 70% roussanne, 25% viognier, and 5% marsanne by winemaker Itay Lahat. It’s lemony and creamy, with firm, tangy acidity. Hand-harvested and barrel-aged, this wine is structured, aromatic, and elegant. It’s designed for many kinds of culinary pairings, from shellfish to roasted meats, vegetables and cheeses.
Barkan Vineyards The Golden Edition Chardonnay 2024 from Judean Foothills is a special edition label from Barkan Winery, the largest winery in Israel, founded in 1990 and located in Hulda. The fruit for this wine is grown in the Bekoa vineyard, and aged for six months in oak barrels. This strong, balanced, fruit-forward dry chardonnay with citrusy finish is best suitable for pairing with fish, creamy pasta, and poultry.
Psagot Sinai White Dry Wine M Series 2024 is produced by the abovementioned Psagot Winery in the northern Jerusalem mountain range with a centuries-old tradition of winemaking. Its terroir is unique, and the grape composition of this wine is stellar: 70% gewurtztraminer, 10% sauvignon blanc, 10% viognier, and 10% chardonnay. Rose petals on the nose, melon and citrus on the palate, with soft notes of peach and tangerine, and a fresh, lightly acidic finish. A perfect accompaniment to fresh summertime fare. On the label there’s a replica of a coin, discovered during an archeological excavation of a cave that later became the winery’s barrel room. The coin is attributed to the time of “Great Revolt” of 66-73 CE, and carries a depiction of amphora—an ancient wine storage vessel. “It all began in a 2,500 year old cave, where a message from the past was revealed to us in the form of an ancient coin where history and legacy come together,” sates the winery website.
Carmel Signature Single Vineyards Carignan 2021 Taninim Creek Shomron from Carmel Winery represents the most prestigious wines from the Chief Winemaker Yiftach Perets. Single Vineyards carignan from the Taninim Creek is grown on clay soil among the old oak trees, and is fully ripened at the time of hand-harvesting, achieving the maximum concentration of flavor. Controlled fermentation in stainless steel is followed by aging in oak barrels for 16 months. Fruity and spicy aroma and black fruit notes on the palate make it a great match for smoked and roasted meats and aged cheeses.
Carmel Private Collection Shiraz 2021, produced by the same winery, belongs to its award-winning series that “fulfills the vision of the legendary founder of Carmel Winery in 1882. These aromatic full-flavored, and refreshing wines possess rich balanced complexity, pairing well with Mediterranean cuisine, and perfect for any shared moments of joy,” as the back label states on the bottle. This beautiful wine is aged in oak barrels for 8 months, has aromas of ripe raspberries and black plums, and is recommended to be served at 60 F temperature.
Shiloh Legend IRA 2021 from Judean Hills is a blend of 45% carignan, 34% grenache, 13% syrah, and 8% barbera. Shiloh Winery proprietor, Simon Chomer, and winemaker Amichai Lourie created an unfiltered, full-bodied, spicy, and mildly oaky red with flavors of black cherry and plum; refined, polished tannins, and complex, long finish. Rich and rewarding, it pairs well with grilled beef and lamb, earthy mushrooms, and eggplant dishes. Decanting for up to an hour is recommended before pouring.
To learn more about the wines of Israel, visit www.iwpa.com.