Wine With Wanda

Israeli Wines That Soar: Superb Sips from Golan Heights Winery

"Wine conveys a feeling of its source from within. The region in which the grapes are grown is embedded in the taste, aroma and color of the wine. Wine, therefore, has the power to embody the culture, language, scents and people of its region."
- Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker, Golan Heights Winery

Winemaker Victor Schoenfeld brings California swagger to Golan Heights Winery in Israel. A native of the Golden State, Victor earned his degree in Enology from the University of California, Davis and worked at wineries in California and France before being named as the head winemaker of Golan Heights Winery in 1992. Victor's talents and expertise have guided Golan Heights Winery to the upper echelons of Israeli wine producers and they were recently included in the Wine Spectator cover story dedicated to the growing prominence of Israeli wines.  

After planting their first vineyards in the Golan in 1976, Golan Heights Winery was founded in 1983 and represents an exciting chapter in Israel's modern winemaking history. Although Israel's winemaking traditions can be traced back thousands of years, a renaissance has been blooming in Israel's vineyards and Golan Heights Winery has been an integral part of this exciting new chapter.


I recently had the opportunity to taste several wines from Golan Heights Winery's premier line of flagship wines - Yarden. Made from the finest grapes from their best vineyards, the Yarden wines reflect Victor's statement that "the key to quality is in the vineyard." Golan Heights' volcanic soil and cool high-altitude climate nurture the growth of high-quality grapes and this is evident in each sip. From crisp whites to bold reds, the Yarden wines express Israel beautifully and showcase world-class wines with universal appeal. 

Yarden Gewurztraminer 2015 ($24.99)
Flirty floral flavors are kicked up a notch with exuberant touches of spice and lychee. Tropical with a hint of herbs. A refreshing apéritif and a winning match with spicy food! 

Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay 2014 ($30)
Winemaker Victor Schoenfeld describes "oak as a picture frame that focuses the attention" but does not overwhelm - balance is key. This philosophy is beautifully expressed in this wonderful Chardonnay. French oak enhances this full-bodied wine's flavors of ripe pear, lemon, and apple. Energetic acidity and a touch of flint make this a balanced beauty! Pair with salmon or roast chicken. 

 

Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($39.99)
Victor describes this velvety red as an "iconic Israeli wine." Intense and juicy flavors of blackberry and dark cherry are revved up with touches of black tea and herbs. Pair with steak, lamb, veal, and pasta with mushrooms. 

Visit the Golan Heights Winery website to discover more wines in their portfolio. If you're planning a trip to Israel, they welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. Cheers! 

 

Raise a Glass to the Riesling Revolution with Famille Hugel of Alsace

Just call me The Girl with the Riesling Tattoo! Yours truly with Etienne Hugel of Famille Hugel wines and a bold but temporary tattoo!

Winemakers have serenaded me, flirted with me, and even exasperated me but exuberant Etienne Hugel is the only one to ever tattoo me! To my great relief, the bold RIESLING tattoo was only temporary but the wines of Famille Hugel certainly left their mark - in the very best way. Famille Hugel has been producing wines in Alsace since 1639 but their wines and attitude are far from old-fashioned and stodgy.

Jean-Frédéric and Etienne Hugel

I recently had the pleasure of sharing some wine and conversation with Etienne and his son Jean-Frédéric; they represent the 12th and 13th generations of the Hugel family. The family is leading a Riesling revolution to spread the word about how beautifully their Riesling, and other Alsatian wines, complement modern tastes and cuisine. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the Hugel family, why the "wines of Alsace are a cultural bridge between France and Germany", and Riesling's incredible aging capacity - they recently opened a bottle from 1865 that had survived three wars and was "still absolutely stunning."



Riesling does not suffer from a recognition problem - even the most casual wine drinker has heard of it. No, Riesling's primary challenge has perhaps been the misconception that this aromatic white wine is always sweet. In reality, one of the most intriguing characteristics of Riesling is its ability to elegantly express the spectrum from very dry to very sweet. Famille Hugel Riesling Classic 2014 ($24) is dry but vibrant, with flavors of fresh white peach and lemongrass, a structured minerality, and a hint of green herbs. Famille Hugel produces their wines with food in mind and Etienne describes them as "wines that really sing around the table." The beauty of this dry Riesling is that it pairs perfectly with a wide range of cuisine; including sushi, ceviche, curry, and Thai food. It truly goes beyond borders. 

Watch the video to see Etienne and Jean-Frédéric describe the aromas and flavors of their Riesling. The video also features their delicious Gewurztraminer Classic 2013 ($29) Gewurz means spicy and this dry white wine with aromas and flavors of lychee and mango is a tasty match with everything from spicy Szechuan to smoked BBQ pork.

 

Should your travels take you to Alsace, Famille Hugel welcomes guests for tours and tastings at their premises in Riquewihr. Tattoos optional. Cheers!