“This elegant Merlot should go well with potent cheeses especially Gorgonzola or a quality piece of Cheddar. Another excellent option would be to serve the wine alongside prime cuts of beef particularly beef tenderloin or game meat.” Yonatan Sternberg found much to admire in the offerings of the Recanati Winery in Israel.
Founded in 2000 and situated in Israel’s Hefer Valley, the newly built Recanati winery is drawing grapes from some of the region’s finest vineyards. Until recently wine maker Lewis Pasco was in charge of Recenati’s production. Today Chief winemaker, Gil Shatsberg, a graduate of the U.C. Davis wine program is at the helm. Gil, who formerly was a winemaker at Israel’s Amphorae and Carmel wineries, arrives at Recanati with years of experience as well as list of some fine wines which he produced.
Most of Recenati’s reds are made using the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. Nevertheless, the winery is constantly involved in cultivating and experimenting with additional varieties in order to produce high quality interesting wines. These include such varieties as Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
The winery also produces white wines relying on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Emerald Riesling and Gewurztraminer grapes.
Name: Recenati, Reserve, Merlot, 2004
Country: Israel
Region: Manara vineyard, Galilee
Type: Red, Dry
Price: 84 NIS
Body: Medium-full
Alcohol content: 14%
Tasting notes:
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red offers lovely aromas of red fruits, plums and black pepper these are followed by a hint of vanilla. Similar to the nose the wine is showing plenty of fruit all leading to a long and elegant finish.
Food Pairing:
This elegant Merlot should go well with potent cheeses especially Gorgonzola or a quality piece of Cheddar. Another excellent option would be to serve the wine alongside prime cuts of beef particularly beef tenderloin or game meat.
For further details about the winery and the visiting center please call +972.4.622.2288
Or visit their web site at: http://www.recanati-winery.com/ (clickable link below).
Please note that: all tours require advance booking.
Tip of the week: “Decanting”
Although not all red wines require decanting, when drinking a younger red that does, about 30 minutes in a decanter will help soften the tannins.
