2017 Gamla Golan Height Viognier Chardonnay

Is Israel a wine country? Certainly, and for a long time. Thousands of ancient wine presses have been found. The oldest is estimated to be over 6500 years old. So yes, Israel is actually a very old wine country. But on the other hand, it has only been since 1880 that investment has been made again in viticulture, thanks to Baron Edmond de Rothschild (Lafite). So if you look at it that way, Israel might just be one of the New Winelands. Although Israel originally has a warm climate, the vineyards of this winery are still classified as 'cool climate' due to the high location. This, in combination with the volcanic subsoil, makes their wines among the best in the world. The most famous wine guide on Israeli wines, Rogov, gives Golan Heights Winery 5 stars and writes: “From the moment they produced their first wines in 1984, there is no doubt that Golan Heights Winery has placed Israel on the world wine list. They are the quality leader in the country. The chief winemaker, Victor Schoenfeld, knows well what he is doing. He was educated in California, France and Australia and combines old and new world style”. The Gamla wines are the figurehead of the winery. Here the most beautiful grapes from the best vineyards come together. Gamla was an ancient city on the Golan Heights, after which these accessible wines are named. Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin, in the center of Golan.

The Gamla Viognier Chardonnay is a blend of 80% Viognier and 20% Chardonnay grapes. The Gamla Viognier Chardonnay shows aromatic notes of peach, apricot, citrus and tropical fruits, along with pleasant hints of fresh flowers. This medium-bodied Viognier Chardonnay is fresh and very pleasant. A delicious accompaniment to drink on its own, but also great with salmon, roast chicken and sushi.