There comes a point in life when, in the middle of the day — even on a workday — you go to the fridge and pull out the leftovers of a cold, light white wine bottle from yesterday for lunch, and you feel no guilt.
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but instead of turning every drinking occasion and every wine conversation into a knowledge test, I simply discovered that to drink a good white wine, I don’t need to philosophize too much or spend an amount that requires an exceptions committee — just grab a bottle and pour.
A bit like in other areas of life, I admit that lately I’m drawn to wines that don’t try too hard to impress, don’t try to prove anything. Ones that know what they are and are completely fine with it. Especially now, when everything is exhausting and humid anyway — I just want something cold that doesn’t need too much talking.
There are endless recommendations, and this time I chose to focus on two Israeli wineries that have just released new summer wines — two of which don’t even scratch the NIS 50 mark. These wines aren’t trying to prove anything, they’re not “New World” or “Old World,” they’re just something tasty to cool down the day.
Binyamina Winery, Hamoshava, Chardonnay 2024
It didn’t take much effort to drink this wine. It was supposed to be consumed outside, but it was too hot, and the decision to pair the Chardonnay from Binyamina Winery’s Hamoshava series with a small cheese plate turned out to be very successful.
Bottom line, this is the ultimate summer wine — Chardonnay with no oak and no frills. A wine that underwent fermentation only in stainless steel tanks to preserve everything good about this variety when it’s properly grown: Green apple, pear, a hint of grapefruit. Light, dry, and acidic just the right amount. And most importantly — the price: NIS 36 per bottle.
Binyamina Winery, Yogev, Sauvignon Blanc–Chardonnay
A dialogue between two varieties: 60% Chardonnay from the Gilboa and 40% Sauvignon Blanc from northern Golan Heights. When done right, this combination is like a good relationship — each brings what the other lacks.
I must mention that I’ve always liked the wines from Binyamina’s ‘Yogev’ series, and I liked this wine too. Simple and unpretentious. A great table wine that doesn’t need too much explanation. This current blend has a bit of a citrus aroma, it’s moderately acidic, dry, and clean. You don’t have to think twice before opening it at lunchtime. The price: NIS 45.
Teperberg Winery, Essence, Chenin Blanc
The “big brother” in the bunch is the Chenin Blanc from Teperberg Winery’s Essence series, which produces quite a few wines worth tasting.
Chenin Blanc was the hot grape variety in Israel about two years ago and managed to win over the crowd mainly because it suits our unbearable weather so well.
Teperberg’s Chenin is perhaps the official refresher — balanced acidity, citrus aroma, no attitude, and you can finish a bottle in less than an hour. It doesn’t overpower, it doesn’t confuse, it’s the classic 4 p.m. wine. The price: NIS 75.
