Wine Cellar: Which wine?

Here are a few of the latest crop of new wines you may want consider when signifying the four expressions of redemption.

By OFER ZEMACH
pouring wine glass 88 (photo credit: )
pouring wine glass 88
(photo credit: )
During the past couple of weeks wineries from all around the country released new wines, just in time for Pessah since at the Seder meal each of us drinks four cups. Supermarket shelves and wine stores are overloaded with dozens of series of wines. Most consumers get confused and wonder "which?" Here are a few of the latest crop of new arrivals you may want consider when signifying the four expressions of redemption. Established in 2003 by the Itzhaki family, the Tulip winery in Kfar Tikva not only produces quality wines, but also contributes to the community. Kfar Tikva is a residential community that constitutes a unique model in Israel and worldwide. It is a community in which people with disabilities and special needs can develop and realize their potential. Tulip Winery has become an integral part of that vision by employing members of the community and giving them the opportunity to be a part of the wine industry. Over the years, the winery has set a pattern of producing high quality wines, and the two recently launched reds are no different. Tulip, Mostly Shiraz 2007: Tamir Arzy, the winemaker at Tulip, made this aromatic wine as a blend of 65 percent Shiraz grapes from Kfar Yuval, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Verdot. In the mouth, this well-balanced Shiraz boasts aromas of black cherry, eucalyptus and toasted oak that linger through the finish. NIS 74 (not kosher) Tulip, Mostly Cabernet Franc 2007: A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hand-picked at a vineyard in Moshav Mata in the Judean Hills. A delicious full-bodied wine packed with dark ripe fruit, green pepper and spice notes from the first sniff all the way through to the finish. NIS 74 (not kosher) Producing rich and elegant wines at his boutique winery in Kibbutz Eyal, Canadian-born Barry Saslove has launched three new wines in his Aviv series. Saslove, Aviv, Merlot 2007: a smooth blend of 85% Merlot and 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from a vineyard at Kadita in Upper Galilee and a vineyard at Neveh Ilan in the the Jerusalem Hills. An elegant, medium-bodied Merlot that delivers concentrated aromas and flavors of black cherries, mocha and cinnamon. NIS 72 (not kosher) Saslove, Aviv, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007: The grapes for this concentrated wine were harvested at vineyards in Kadita, Ben-Zimra, Alma and Malkiya in Upper Galilee. It is richly scented and flavored with plum, chocolate and exotic spices. NIS 72 (not kosher) Saslove, Aviv, Marriage 2007: A lovely blend of the best local grape varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. This is a wine you don't have to think about, just sit back and enjoy it. NIS 72 (not kosher) Adorned with colorful labels , the Tishbi winery has launched three new young and refreshing wines in its Tishbi series for NIS 33 each: Tishbi, French Riesling 2008, a semi-dry white wine that can pair with light dishes and can also be served as an aperitif. Tishbi, Muscat Alexandroni 2008, a semi-dry white loaded with floral aromas and could make a nice dessert wine. Tishbi, Cabernet Sauvignon-Petite Sirah 2007, a dry red wine with grapes from Zichron Ya'acov and Kfar Tavor, with fruity aromas of strawberries and herbs. (kosher) White now Chardonnay is one of the world's premium white wine varietals. Although Chardonnay's reputation was established in the Burgundy region of France, it is being grown and produced all over the world with fabulous results. Some of the flavors in Chardonnay are described as creamy, buttery and nutty, with fruit flavors of apple, melon and citrus. However, it is in the winery that this grape gets adorned with finery from barrel aging, and fermentation to malolactic fermentation. The styles run the range from dry to medium dry, rich, full and oaky to lean, crisp and flinty depending on their treatment. Chardonnay is best served cooler than room temperature, so you may enjoy the layers of aromas and flavors. The wine pairs beautifully with light fish dishes or with grilled chicken. It can also be served with mild and creamy cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert. As with any wine, try your own food pairings with Chardonnay. You may be pleasantly surprised. Two impressive kosher Chardonnays have just been released by two different local wineries: Karmei Yosef, Bravdo, Chardonnay 2008: Prof. Ben Ami Bravdo and Prof. Oded Shoseyov, winemakers and owners of Karmei Yosef winery in the western Judean Mountains, use unique wine-growing technique to maximize the fruit aromas at their Chardonnay vineyards. This 100 percent Chardonnay has a perfect balance of creamy, citrusy and herbal flavors. It has a round texture, with a silky, delicious finish. NIS 92 Ella Valley, Chardonnay 2007: A brilliant, pale straw-colored Chardonnay made of hand-picked fruit from Aderet and Ness Harim vineyards. Offering generous aromas of toasted almond, ripe apple and pear, with notes of honeysuckle, it is rounded and well-balanced. The wine was aged for 11 months in French oak barrels which gives it a full, creamy mouth feel. NIS 89.