This article originally appeared on wines-israel.co.il and is reprinted with permission.
Sparkling wines have become very popular almost overnight in Israel. The number of imported sparklers, mainly Cava from Spain or Prosecco from Italy, has increased dramatically. The trend is led by the young adults, in particularly women. They may be heard ordering a ‘glass of Cava’, when what they really want is any sparkling wine. It has almost become the new generic word in Hebrew, to cover anything sparkling!
Sparkling wine is the wine of fashion and celebration. Whether on New Year’s Eve or at a wedding, it remains the classic wine to make a toast with. It is also symbol of success and happiness. Sparkling wines range from the classic Champagnes from France, which represent the ultimate of luxury, through to semi or lightly sparkling wines, like Lambrusco, at the other end of the price spectrum.
Sparkling wines make the perfect aperitif. They accompany most first courses better than most wines, are ideal with fish or smoked salmon and even go well with cold meats. No-one drinking a sparkling wine throughout a meal will be disappointed. A glass of dry sparkling wine is also very clean, refreshing way to finish a big meal. Sparkling & semi sparkling wines are the fastest growing category in Israel. Anything with bubbles is IN. To counteract the invasion, and for those that want to drink ‘blue and white’, Israel is today making an excellent range of sparkling wines that cover every style and at every price point. They can more than match up to the needs of any party, wedding or celebration. The best are as follows.
Golan Moscato, Young Selected Moscato and Carignano – all 2010 These low alcohol wines are light, fruity and sweet with a slight sparkle. The white Moscatos are made from the Muscat grape and the red Carignano from Carignan. These wines are versatile, being suitable for any occasion, and at any time of day. They are fun wines, not to be taken too seriously.
Selected Sparkling NV An ‘extra dry’ sparkling wine made from Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the coastal regions of Israel. It is light, fruity with a delicate and not too obvious sweetness. The wine represents excellent value for money. It is proving especially popular for banqueting and events. Selected, produced by Carmel Winery, is the largest selling brand in Israel.
Tabor Pninim Tabor produce two semi sparkling red and white wines. The white is made from Gewurztraminer and Viognier grapes and the red is made from Merlot. The wines are lower alcohol (9.5 – 10%) than most sparkling wines. Both are semi dry, quaffable and may described as fun wines, to be enjoyed without pretension. The wines are produced by Tabor Winery, situated in Tabor Village (Kfar Tavor) in the Lower Galilee.
Tabor 652 Brut NV A new sparkling wine made by the charmat process. It comes in both a white and red version. The reason for the number is that Mt. Tabor is at an altitude of 652 meters. The red wine is the first genuine sparkling red wine in Israel and is made from Barbera grapes. It is fruity with a refreshing cranberry finish. The white is made from 80% Chardonnay and, unusually, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are refreshing and good value.
Private Collection Brut NV This sparkling wine is made by the charmat or cuve close method. It is made from Colombard and Chardonnay from the Judean Foothills. Five percent of the Chardonnay was fermented in small, French oak barrels. The wine is refreshing, with an aroma of lime, green apple, with hints of lightly toasted bread. The quality to price ratio is excellent, and it is as good as any Cava.
Tishbi Brut 2009 A bottle fermented sparkling wine made 100% from French Colombard grapes, grown in the Shomron Region vineyards, close to Binyamina and Zichron Ya’acov. This was a style of wine previously made by Tishbi Winery. They then stopped for a few years and have now decided to reintroduce it again. It is a clean, well-made wine with a good lemony finish.
Gamla Brut NV Gamla Brut is made by the traditional method from 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, grown in the relatively cool climate Golan Heights. The wine is left to age for one year at least before disgorging. The wine is bone dry, with good berry aroma and refreshing acidity. This is made by the Golan Heights Winery, at Katzrin.
Yarden Blanc de Blancs 2005 Israel’s finest champagne method sparkling wine, made 100% from Chardonnay grapes grown on the high altitude northern Golan Heights. This is a vintage wine. The grapes are hand picked in whole clusters. The wine rests four years on its tirage yeast before release. The wine is delicate with tropical fruit notes, and a toasty backdrop. It is of the quality of the finest champagne and is made totally authentically, but is a great deal better value.
Pelter Blanc de Blancs NV A tiny production of traditional method sparkling wine, made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Galilee and Golan. The wine rests for three years on its yeasts. The result is a fresh, aromatic and intense wine. Pelter is one of Israel’s best small wineries. The wine is rare, exclusive and very expensive.
