An increasing number of wine connoisseurs are showing interest in sharing Israel’s finest wines and spirits with other countries. Various variables help bolster the quality of Israeli wines. The country’s wide range of landscapes and soils contribute to the distinct flavor of the grapes. These include landscapes varying from the Golan Heights to the Negev Highlands as well soils such as limestone, loam, and volcanic tuff.
Israel’s winemaking legacy can be traced back to ancient times when the first wine trading routes were created between Mesopotamia and Egypt. Wine has appeared throughout the biblical period and the practice of winemaking was briefly revived during medieval times when Crusader states returned to their country bringing with them unique types of grapes cut from around the Jewish temple. Wineries really expanded throughout Israel when the country began to industrialize between the 1840s and 1950s.
Gaining independence allowed Israel to advance their winemaking processes with the help of independent winemakers from California and Canada teaching them new techniques. Major wineries were also built in several of Israel’s biggest cities like Gath and Jerusalem during this time. Today, there are more than 300 modern wineries throughout the country producing thousands of quality wines.
Israel is home to more than 100 indigenous grape varieties that each have their own distinctive flavors, such as Marawi, Bittuni, and Argaman. Marawi is typically located in the Judean Hills and has a citrus, distinct minerality to its flavor that nicely complements white fish, tropical fruit, and soft cheese. Bittuni can be found in the Judaean Mountains and has a berry-like, light-bodied flavor making it best paired with pasta dishes, mild cheese, and vegetable salads. Argaman is grown in Upper Galilee and has a fruity, spicy/tangy flavor that goes well with roasted veal, lamb kebabs, and braised eggplant.
Many of Israel’s top-quality wines have received global recognition but struggle to be exported to the rest of the world. However, wine concierges are now making it possible for more people to taste the rich flavors of award-winning Israeli wines.
