Ella Valley Syrah (Kosher) 2007 750ml

Winery: Ella Valley

Varietal: Syrah

There continues to be much debate surrounding the name of the Shiraz/Syrah grape varietal, with many experts still quite unsure which came first. Indeed, even the origins of this varietal are more or less unknown, despite it being most commonly associated with the Rhone Valley of France, and New World countries, most notably Australia. However, its popularity and unique characteristics have seen it planted all over the world, where it continues to impress with its powerful flavors and wonderfully spicy notes of pepper and clove. Shiraz/Syrah wines are renowned also for their versatility, and are regularly used in single variety still and sparkling wines, as well as blended and oak aged wines which demonstrate its ability to express its terroir and secondary flavors very well.

Region: Judean Hills

Israel is a fascinating country for viticulture, and has a wine history which stretches back through the millennia, making it one of the most ancient wine producing countries in the world. Today, much of Israel's wine culture and industry is based in the ancient Judean Hills, a region which benefits from blazing sunshine and mineral rich soils, perfect for the imported grape varietals which thrive there. Indeed, the mid 19th century saw the Rothschild family bring over many of their finest Bordeaux vines from France, and the Judean Hills today are used primarily for the cultivated and processing of excellent quality Bordeaux varietal grapes. As the Judean Hills are in Israel, the vast majority of wines produced there are made alongside kosher purity laws, and are produced specifically for Jewish communities around the world.

Country: Israel

The vineyards of Israel have long been associated with high quality wines, and the wineries which operate within the country use the fantastic Mediterranean climate and mineral rich soils to grow fine French grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvigon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc all over the country. Israel has five major wine regions; Galil, The Judean Hills, Shimshon, The Negev, and the Sharon Plain, with many of the most successful vineyards being located at high altitudes to benefit from the cooler temperatures and stronger breezes the vines need to produce better yields. Today, Israeli wineries are proving to be highly successful with audiences around the world, and the fact that the vast majority of Israeli wines are made to kosher requirements mean they are often in high demand amongst the worldwide Jewish population, although they are also highly popular with people of all backgrounds.