More than I love wine, I find myself loving and appreciating the story behind the wine. Often, if an interesting label catches my eye, I will buy the bottle, even if I don’t find a recommendation for it, and I’ll give it a chance.
Apparently, what works on Tinder and in the consumer world can also work in the wine world and help our wine culture develop further. And we have room to aspire, mainly because, after all, wine is not just a liquid in a bottle but a whole experience.
This is why, among the many wines that recently reached me ahead of the holidays – and there were many – I decided to first open Nahalal White 2024 from Jezreel Valley Winery.
The Nahalal series is essentially a tribute to the first workers' moshav in Israel. Agriculture, warmth, and the Land of Israel – and this wine is entirely the blend of all that is said.
The Sauvignon Blanc is pleasant and refreshing, with a hint of Gewürztraminer that is almost imperceptible but gives it a twist.
In hindsight, I should have paid more attention to this bottle and not just drank it on the go. It is elegant and definitely recommended to pair with a festive meal or as something to complete a holiday gift. Price: NIS 85.
The Colors of Tel Shifon, the Recanati Celebration
Another Israeli winery that has advanced the visual appeal of its bottles is Tel Shifon Winery from Kibbutz Ortal, which has recently become very popular in many restaurants, which is exciting.
Tel Shifon White is not a new wine, but the excellent blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay with the colorful illustrated label makes me want to order it every time I see it on a menu. Price: NIS 99.
What About Red Wine?
I cannot avoid mentioning red wine, but I admit that even I was challenged in recent weeks with this heat. Still, a festive edition doesn’t come out every day. Recanati Winery recently launched the Trilogy to mark 25 years of production.
It is a blend of Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Syrah in an elegant package. Why did I like it particularly? A combination of several winning factors that move away from Cabernet; the wine is complex and developing but not heavy.
It is classic but also a bit of the new wave, and of course, the excellent price includes the festive package (a great gift for someone who needs it) without breaking the bank, certainly not in relation to the great value. Between us, this is no less important than everything else. Price: NIS 100.