The Israeli desert proves that it has something to offer with thousands of dunams of spectacular vineyards and quality produce • We have compiled for you recommendations for wineries that are worth exploring and hiking in.
Kerem Yeruham of Pinto Winery
Photography:
Press the Mirage Foundation
Until the 1980s, it was the vineyards in the Zichron Yaacov and Binyamina area that were considered the best in Israel for wine production.
In the 1990s and early millenniums, fame migrated north to the Golan and Galilee as preferred areas, and later we learned that the mountainous region, ie: Judea and Samaria, grows fantastic wines - and the variety of medals and scores from recent years will testify.
Now it was the Negev's turn.
Yes, the arid Israeli desert proves once again that there is no such thing as no such thing.
The quality of the southern grapes in recent years has made professionals understand that in the Negev there are special conditions for growing wine vines, which are reflected in a unique fingerprint in the winemaking result - "The vineyards in the Negev enjoy a desert climate, dry and cold at night, creating a unique growing area." Intelligent wines, with fruit flavors that maintain restraint and freshness, "says Eran Goldwasser, winemaker at Yatir Winery.
As a result, thousands of dunams of spectacular vineyards have been planted in the Negev over the last decade, producing quality produce (if we tell you that there are wineries from the Golan Heights that buy grapes grown in the Mitzpe Ramon vineyards, believe it?), A variety of wineries have been established. And most of them are still small and unknown (the new and intriguing Pinto, Rota - about which we have already written here - Detector and more), were incorporated under a joint venture of the Mirage-Israel Philanthropic Foundation.
Among its other activities, it has been working since 2005 for the promotion and economic development of the Negev, together with the Hashomer Hahadash organization, as well as for the promotion of agricultural tourism in the Negev while emphasizing the uniqueness of the region's vineyards and potential tourism.
"The desert wine scene is relatively new in the world, and experts are still studying it," says the foundation's CEO, Nicole Hood Straw. "Wine production in these places is not a simple challenge, so these wines are considered unique and rare.
"Israel is a world leader in agricultural research and development, and the combination with Zionism leads to creative quality solutions that attract farmers from around the world, who come to learn about desert agriculture in an age of global warming."
Wine guide Guy Haran has been appointed content director of the project, and talks have been held with other experts with experience in the field, including Adv. Idan Bar Ulpan, a regional marking expert, Ilanit Tzemach, who specialized in regulating wineries with Remi, and more.
They offer wineries, among other things, professional enrichment in marketing, business development, winemaking, regulation, etc.
It is important to note that the venture is really in its infancy and that the road looks still long, but at least there is a vision, there is a club and there is a start of traffic.
Indeed, in the summer our desert is very hot, but the Israeli winter is the ideal time to citrus and walk there, and if it is possible to combine a happy sip of wine - what good (within the limits of the corona, of course).
Here are some great options we have put together.
Ramat Negev Winery
One of the southern wineries that surprised us is the Ramat Negev winery of the Zadok family, from Yamit evacuees, who re-established their lives in the locality of Kadesh Barnea (Nitzanei Sinai) on the Egyptian border.
They pick grapes from their vineyard and also from more distant vineyards (Jujube vineyard in Mitzpe Ramon, for example).
In the last vintage, they produced about 220,000 bottles - and the winepress is still tilted.
The winemaking craft is conducted by Yogev Tzadok, the eldest son of Nira and Alon, who learned and specialized in the faucets of the profession in Florence, and the marketing of the trust of the younger brother Gilad.
Since the outbreak of the corona, they say, the place has been bustling with hikers who choose to come and solitude in the desert landscape with a basket of cheeses and breads, alongside the wine, of course.
We tasted their variety, and the surprise was great - the wines are well made, superbly fruity and have body and color.
Our recommendation:
Cabernet Franc 2018, Ramon, Ramat Negev Winery - a beautiful dark burgundy-black wine color.
The nose has intense fruit aromas of black cherries, dark chocolate and forest soil after the rain.
The acidity is balanced, the tannins are noticeable and the body is full but elegant.
Inhale.
Also try the 2018 boat from the Neve Midbar series, which offers excellent value for money (129 NIS).
Yatir Winery
Yatir Winery does not need to be introduced to wine lovers in the country.
It is one of the most esteemed boutique wineries, maintaining its high standard throughout its 20 years of existence.
They recently released a new wine series called DAROM BY YATIR, which seeks to make their qualities and standards accessible to the younger population group as well and at an affordable price.
Under the slogan "Southern Wine Country", Beitar began to absorb grapes from the vineyards of Mitzpe Ramon, Ramat Arad and the southern Judean Mountains, and in the first phase, two wines from the screen, "South Red" and "South White", which, by definition, better express the uniqueness of the region .
In the following vintages, the series is also expected to expand to include additional wines.
Yatir brings here basically two groundbreaking strategic lines;
One is the decision to brand the winery in connection with the south of the country, and the other is the focus on on-screen wines, even under Yatir's premium wines (unlike most wineries that require public wines and even single vineyards).
True, this might be against the current, but as they say in the cruiser - "Dare to win".
Our recommendation:
South White 2019 DAROM BY YATIR - A well-made blend that contains vinaigrette from Yatir Forest (54%) and Sauvignon Blanc (46%) from the Ramat Arad vineyards, some of which also saw 500-liter wooden barrels inside, for about half a year.
Its color is straw, in the nose a variety of apples and pears and immediately after that pomelo and acidic pineapple are added.
The mouth continues the odor characteristics but the body is oily and wider than expected, acidity and mineral balance and a long finish.
Makes happy in the mouth (79 s).
A winery speaks
Madbar Winery, located in the artists' village of the city of Arad, is not yet a member of the above-mentioned joint venture, but he was one of the pioneers who proudly engraved the Israeli deserts on their banner. A decade ago, when everyone was talking about the Galilee, it was Itzik Wolf, the owner, who discovered wonders. The south and established the winery's residence there, while specializing in white wines in particular (don't worry, there are also good reds). Since the 2019 vintage, and after returning from specializing in Piedmont, the winemaker will open Lustig, and the winery continues to enjoy the advice of veteran and esteemed winemaker Tuscan Chorleti, which has accompanied the winery since its inception.
Our recommendation:
White 55 Premium Limited Edition, 2019, Desert Winery - a spectacular blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Semyon from Nana Farms in Mitzpe Ramon.
A sour and fresh nose with aromas of green apple, white grapefruit, lemon grass and even a little melon.
An acidic body on the one hand but round and harmonious on the other, with a very pleasant finish - from all the good of the Negev.
Not cheap but wonderful (119 hrs).
