Israel · CountryA Sommo region

Israel

Israel wine guide: the wine-producing country in Israel, its Cabernet Sauvignon, the red wine and white wine it makes, and what to pour it with.

Country
Israel
Climate
Mediterranean
Signature grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Styles
red · white · rosé
5
Signature grapes
5
Producers listed
5
Sub-regions
8
Bottles to find

Israel makes wine, and this is what it grows.

Growers build the wines around Cabernet Sauvignon, filling out the blend with Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Vines root into limestone, terra rossa and volcanic.

The climate is mediterranean, running arid.

The vineyards themselves read as coastal, plains and valley floor.

Red wine, white wine and rosé wine, plus two more is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows light and fruity, enjoyed chilled, sweet and luscious and ideal for pairing with desserts.

Quality is codified by the Geographic Indications: Judean Hills, Galilee, Golan Heights, Samson, Negev, Shomron, which is worth reading off the label.

The named areas within are Galilee, Judean Hills, Golan Heights, Negev and Samson.

Producers worth knowing include Barkan Wine Cellars, Carmel Winery, Domaine du Castel and Golan Heights Winery.

Pour them alongside grilled meats, spicy dishes, fresh seafood and pasta with cream sauce.

Serve at 16 to 18°C.

Keeps for 5 to 15 years.

Soil
LimestoneTerra rossaVolcanic
Climate
MediterraneanArid
Terrain
CoastalPlainsValley floor
Styles
redwhiterosésparklingdessert

In the glass.

Rosé: Light and fruity, Enjoyed chilled.

Dessert: Sweet and luscious, Ideal for pairing with desserts.

Grapes planted here.

Classifications.

  • Geographic Indications: Judean Hills, Galilee, Golan Heights, Samson, Negev, Shomron

Producers worth knowing.

01 Barkan Wine Cellars
02 Carmel Winery
03 Domaine du Castel
04 Golan Heights Winery
05 Tzora Vineyards

Bottles to look for.

  • 1848 Second Generation Shiraz, Galilee, Israel
  • Barkan Vineyards Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
  • Barkan Vineyards Givon Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
  • Carmel King David Concorde, Galilee, Israel
  • Domaine du Castel Grand Vin, Judean Hills, Israel
  • Domaine du Castel Petit Castel, Judean Hills, Israel
  • Five Stones Vineyards 'Virtuous' Red Wine, Judean Hills, Israel
  • Flam Winery Classico, Judean Hills, Israel

At the table.

  • Grilled meats
  • Spicy dishes
  • Fresh seafood
  • Pasta with cream sauce
  • Cheese platters

Serving and cellaring.

  • Serve at 16 to 18°C.
  • Keeps for 5 to 15 years.

Inside the region.

Nearby regions.

Israel: common questions

01.
What grapes is Israel known for?
+
Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature grape of Israel. Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are also planted here.
02.
What kind of wine does Israel make?
+
Israel produces red wine, white wine, rosé wine and sparkling wine, plus one more.
03.
Where is Israel?
+
Israel is a wine-producing country in Israel.
04.
What food goes with Israel wine?
+
Try grilled meats, spicy dishes, fresh seafood, pasta with cream sauce and cheese platters.
05.
How long does Israel wine age?
+
Keeps for 5 to 15 years, though it varies by producer and vintage.

More from here: every wine region in Israel.

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