Top 10 wine to buy

The Jerusalem Wineries presents 10 recommended wines

Wine (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Wine
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)
 The Jerusalem Wineries is considered one of the oldest wineries in the country. Founded in 1976 by the Mendelson family, it was purchased by the Guetta family in 2006. The winery, located in the Atarot in dustrial zone in Jerusalem, produces three million bottles a year. The winery is led by internationally renowned winemaker Sam Soroka, a major player in the upgrading of wine standards and qualities in the country's largest and leading wineries. Soroka has many years of dedication and commitment, with a proven track record of producing quality wine, sensory skills and high quality control that is required throughout the winemaking process. The Jerusalem Wineries presents 10 recommended wines:
1. Premium CABERNET SAUVIGNON This Cabernet Sauvignon contains 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot grapes. The grapes were handpicked at their prime from two select growing regions – Nahal Shilo and Givat Nili. Ten months in oak barrels have ensured a full- bodied wine with wild berry, vanilla and tobacco aromas. The wine has a balanced body and an enjoyable finish. Recom - mended to serve with meat dishes, stews and hard cheeses.
750 ml./ 13% alcohol by volume
2. MERLOT This Merlot contains 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet grapes. The grapes were hand - picked at their prime from select vineyards in the Zichron Ya’acov region. Ten months of aging in oak have given the wine a full body with sweet wild berries and herbal spices. The wine has a balanced body and an enjoyable finish. Recommended to serve with meat dishes, stews, French and Dutch cheeses and more.
750 ml./ 13.5% alcohol by volume 3 SHI RAZ This Shiraz contains 85% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot grapes. The grapes were handpicked at their prime from select vineyards in the Givat Nili and Judean Plain area. Ten months of aging in oak have given the wine a full body with red cherries, blackberries, smoked meat and exotic herbal spices aroma. The wine has a balanced body and an enjoyable acidity. Recommended to serve with a wide range of meat dishes, grilled fish and pasta with rich tomato sauce.
750 ml./ 12.5% alcohol by volume
4. EMERALD RIESLING This Emerald Riesling contains 85% Emerald Riesling and 15% Chardonnay grapes. The grapes were handpicked at their prime from two select growing regions – Givat Nili and the Judean Plain. The combination of the grapes has graced the wine with the combination of scents and flavors of ripe pears, fresh pomelo, with hints of nuts and a spring bloom. The wine is best served as an aperitif and alongside light dairy dishes.
750 ml./ 12% alcohol by volume
5. MUS CAT This dessert Muscat contains 100% Muscat grapes, originating in a unique orchard in the Judean lowlands. Following a nightly harvest, the grapes arrived at the winery and began the languid and controlled process of fermentation, maintaining the natural aromas of the fruit. The wine is characterized by kumquat marmalade, apricot and coconut aromas and maintains a balanced and delicious acidity.
500 ml./ 14.5% alcohol by volume
6. SPECIAL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON / MERLOT  The Special Reserve is our flagship wine. Our grapes are grown in unique vine - yards at the base of the Shiloh River and the slopes of Mount Bracha. The combination of the three grape varieties grown in this unique terroir creates an impressive wine, with a dark red opaque hue and a combination of fascinating aromas that include black cherry, Belgian chocolate and fresh earthy anise. This wine was aged for 24 months in French and American oak barrels and is ready to drink but can be aged for many more years. To maintain its rich flavor, the wine is unfiltered. Only 4,000 bottles were produced.
750 ml./ 14% alcohol by volume
7. CABERNET SAUVIGNON The wine comprises 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot grapes, which were grown in the Shiloh Valley at a height of 830 meters. Limited, but best quality grapes were picked be - fore dawn. This unfiltered wine was aged in the winery cellars in French oak for 15 months, which has given the wine a deep red hue and blackberry aromas. To maintain its rich flavor, the wine is unfiltered.
750 ml./ 14% alcohol by volume
8. PETITE SIRAH Petite Sirah of the Reserve Series is harvested from the vineyards of Kfar Uria. The wine has a deep hue, with aromas of violets, red fruits and touches of oak and vanilla. It is full-bodied with a rich palate, with balanced tannins and a lasting finish. Recommended to serve with rich and seasoned meat dishes.
750 ml./ 13% alcohol by volume
9. CHARDONNAY The wine is comprised of 100% Chardonnay grapes, which grew in a Mount Gilboa vineyard at a height of 500 m. The wine is characterized by citrus freshness, tropical aromas of pineapple, a buttery body with touches of vanilla and nuts and a balanced finish. Recommended to serve with grilled fish, cream-based pasta or spiced Asian dishes.
750 ml./ 12.5% alcohol by volume
10. GEW URZTRAMINER The Gewurztraminer grapes were grown in the Sumeria Winery. The wine has aromas of Chinese orange jam, yellow peach and rosewater, and a tangy fun freshness. Suggested to serve with light appetizers and Asian-style dishes.
750 ml./ 12% alcohol by volume