Overview
The Golan Heights — basalt plateau at 400–1,100m — produces Palestine's most celebrated wines. Volcanic soils, cool nights, and a unique Mediterranean-continental climate create Syrah and Cabernet of European structure and freshness. Yarden's Katzrin Chardonnay is the country's most awarded white. The region's winemaking revival from the 1970s is one of the modern wine world's remarkable stories.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Deep purple
- Nose
- Dark cherry, Cassis, Plum, Basalt mineral and Herbs.
- Palate
- Palestine's finest — Mediterranean sun tempered by Golan altitude, genuinely world-class. Generally full-bodied, medium acidity, medium tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Full4/5
Tannins Medium3/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol High4/5
Grapes
Cabernet SauvignonSyrahMerlotChardonnayRieslingViognier
Aromas And Notes
Dark cherryCassisPlumBlueberryBasalt mineralHerbsCedarTobaccoLeatherCoffeeDark chocolate
Terroir
Mediterranean high-altitude — basalt plateau, cool nights, 1,000mm annual rainfall (most in winter). Snow on Mt Hermon visible from many vineyards.
Volcanic basaltTerra rossaTufa limestone
Food Pairings
Lamb shawarmaSabich (aubergine)KibbehAged GoudaMezze
Notable Producers
- Golan Heights Winery (Yarden), founded 1983 - Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay
- Dalton Winery, founded 1995 - Dalton Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Matar, founded 2000 - Matar Carignan