I often try to persuade them to try a good white vino and see if they change their mind.
For some reason, many people consider red wines to be of higher quality or more prestigious than their pale counterparts. More than once, I have heard people say “oh, I only drink red wines and don’t really care for white wines.” I often try to persuade them to try a good white vino and see if they change their mind.
Following are several Israeli white wine suggestions of different styles and varieties:
Bazelet HaGolan, Reserve, Chardonnay, 2013 – a winery that is known for producing “big” red vinos, Bazelet HaGolan also has a couple of white wines in their portfolio that are worth a try. 100% Chardonnay grapes from vineyards in the Golan Heights, bright gold in color, medium bodied, the wine is showing aromas and flavors of pears, candied pineapple, flowers and distinct buttery-oaky notes leading to a pleasant finish.
Dalton, Alma, White, 2014 – along with winery’s the Shiraz Reserve, the Alma label is among my favorites from Dalton and the Alma White 2014 is up to par with previous releases. An interesting blend of Semillon, Pinot Gris and Viognier of varying proportions, refreshing notes of citrus blossom, white peaches and honeysuckle with good balancing acidity and a medium, clean finish.
Galilee Mountain, Viognier, 2014 – 100% Viognier grapes from the Yiron situated vineyard in the Upper Galilee. Bright gold in color, medium bodied, the wine suggests pleasant notes of green apples, warm spices, apricot jam and flowers with a light overtone of toasted oak leading to a medium-long finish. Serve well chilled.
MAIA, Mare White, 2014 - MAIA, which stands for Mediterranean Art - Israeli Approach, is a relative new comer to the local wine industry and is slowly but surely making their mark by offering wines with a twist. An interesting blend of French Colombard and Marsanne, another light skinned grape, most commonly found in the Northern Rhône region, the wine is very approachable, showing aromas and flavors of summer fruits, flowers and slight minerality on the palate leading to a medium finish.
Mony, ‘M’, Colombard, 2014 – Relying on French Colombard grapes from vineyards in the Judean Hills, the wine is light straw in color; suggesting notes of citrus blossom, tropical fruits and good coming together nicely for a clean finish. An easy drinking wine and among the best “value for money” vinos in its price category.
Tulip Winery, White Franc, 2014 – An off the beaten track, semi-dry blend of Cabernet Franc (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white) grapes; the wine suggests aromas and flavors of juicy red berry fruits, dried apples and flowers coming together nicely and leading to a pleasant finish.
L’Chaim!
