Recanati Shiraz 750ml

Winery: Recanati

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: Galilee

The dry and arid region of Galilee in Israel is perhaps not the most obvious home of fine New World wines, but then, Galilee has many more things in common with Old World countries than one might think. The mineral rich, volcanic soils around the base of Mount Tabor have proven to be an ideal home for many exciting and classic Bordeaux grape varietals, and everything from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, to fine and flavorful Chardonnay and Sémillon varietals flourish under the hot, middle eastern sunshine. As one might expect, kosher laws play an important role in the production of Galilee wines, and religious experts are regularly called in at all stages of the wine making process to ensure that everything is being done in accordance to ancient religious practices.

Country: Israel

Israel has long been a country associated with wines, with plenty of historical evidence pointing out the significance of wines in biblical times and most likely even before then. Of course, when the country was under Islamic rule, many of the vineyards were destroyed and wine production ceased completely, but today Israel enjoys a thriving wine industry and is frequently recognized as a producer of fine wines which have a growing global audience, helped by the fact that most wines of the country are made with kosher certification. Israel enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and has plenty of mineral rich soil on which to grow vines. There are several micro climates across the country, formed by the geographical features of the land, and wineries have had a long and successful relationship with the imported French grape varietals which flourish there.