In recent years, something good has been happening at Carmel Winery. The oldest commercial winery in Israel, established about 140 years ago, has returned to its greatness as a stable, vibrant winery, leaving its mark on the Israeli wine world.
Their portfolio includes wines at all price levels, from simple table wines to award-winning premium wines, representing the best wine regions in Israel.
While premium wines have become more common in the portfolios of many wineries in recent decades, the ability of a large winery to excel in everyday drinking wines, those sold in supermarkets, can be considered the "bread" of the winery.
Joining this "bread" with pride are the "butter" wines, the intermediate wines, offering good value for mid-range prices, not too cheap and not too expensive. And the result is most delightful.
"Our vision in the wine world is to be the wine of all Israel," says Nadav Arens Arad, CEO of the winery. "We are very proud of our history and long heritage, but we also introduce many new series and products, meeting trends and leading them to the Israeli story."
"Innovation and newness are very significant aspects of our daily marketing and winemaking work. In terms of being the wine of all Israel, it primarily meets our consumers through the very wide spectrum under the Carmel Winery brand. A wide variety in sensory level and also in price range, from very affordable prices to our premium wines."
"We want every consumer to find the wine that connects with them. And to our delight, we see Carmel Winery wines reaching every Israeli home, and we are proud to provide such a wide response."
"Of course, we are aware that the main wine market in Israel consists of accessible wines, and this is our strength. However, premium wines constitute a growing segment that is very important to us."
Ran Asa, marketing manager of the winery, who came straight from the fields, adds: "Carmel Signature wines, produced from 17 selected vineyards, are our flagship and a brand that continues to expand. The winemakers have freedom, and we do not interfere with their work."
"We expanded the portfolio to meet all trends and needs in the market. Starting from the end of May, we are launching campaign events, including a wine bar this weekend at 'Private Room' in Beit Panorama, a video with the winemaker Yiftah Peretz, and more."
Yiftah Peretz, the chief winemaker of Carmel Winery, signs a variety of different styles of wines from the winery. According to him, he does not work alone, and the winery's wines reflect something from the personal taste and worldview of the entire winemaking team.
"This period is not easy for anyone, including winemakers and other workers in the fields," says Yiftah. "I thank the winery's people, the vineyard workers, and the agronomists, who together make the wine. There is a great team here with many partners, who have a very broad and stable base."
The Vineyards series, under the Carmel Signature brand, has become over the years a good, stable, and fascinating series at a comfortable price. An unconventional series that allows a choice between intriguing wines.
Carmel Winery, Vineyards, Rosé 2023A dry rosé from Marselan and Grenache Noir grapes from vineyards in the Ayalon Valley, located at the foot of the Judean and Benjamin Mountains. The wine fermented in old oak barrels and matured on its lees for about half a year, adding body and plenty of flavors.
It has delicate aromas and flavors of summer orange fruits and wild strawberries, balanced acidity, and a quite substantial body, making it a great gastronomic wine. Price: NIS 80.
Carmel Winery, Vineyards, Sirah Grenache 2021A dry red wine from Syrah and Grenache grapes from the Shorash vineyard and the Beit Jimal vineyard, located in the Jerusalem Mountains, aged for about 14 months in used oak barrels, mostly oak.
"A classic blend of the Heron Valley, Grenache tends to easily sweeten and Syrah tends to be peppery, together giving the perfect combination," says Yiftah. A relatively light and complex wine, with tangy red fruit flavors and spicy and fruity aromas. It will be enjoyable to drink it chilled. Price: NIS 80.
Carmel Winery, Vineyards, Shani Merom Hagalil 2021Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot from vineyards planted at an altitude between 780-850 meters above sea level in the Upper Galilee. "It was intimidating to work in this area at this time," says Yiftah, "and the agronomist, Meir, is doing a great job there."
A classic Bordeaux blend (harder to find Malbec in Bordeaux today), aged for about 14 months in oak barrels. A rich wine, with ripe red fruit aromas and flavors. Dry, velvety, delicate, and pleasant even in the finish. Price: NIS 80.
Carmel Winery, Single Vineyard Series, Riesling, Mount Avital Vineyard 2022The wine, part of the unique Carmel vineyards series, is made from Riesling grapes grown at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level on Mount Avital in the northern Golan Heights. The basalt volcanic soil helps preserve the flavors and the grapes' natural and refreshing acidity.
The wine ferments half in oak barrels for six months and the other half in stainless steel. A lovely Riesling, rich in fragrances of summer white fruits and blossoms, an elegant wine with a nice acidity and balanced minerality.
According to the winery, it is expected to develop additional typical aromas of the variety, such as honey, ripe fruitiness, and white flowers. Price: NIS 120.
Carmel Winery, Limited Edition 2021The flagship wine of Carmel Winery, in a version we had the opportunity to taste, is a very young wine that should not be opened today, with enormous potential. Very complex, full of layers that develop and continue over time in the glass and on the palate.
A magical, powerful, yet soft wine, simultaneously balanced and round, fruity and spicy, and more and more. Price: NIS 250. Save it for the coming years.
"In these days, we are heading towards a powerful and not simple vintage, and the entire winery is like a pharmacy," said Yiftah Peretz at the end of the tasting. "We expect a lot of work with many partners to produce such wines."
"I hope everyone will return home and deal with wine, not other things." I wholeheartedly join the blessing.