In an emotional event filled with speeches and heartfelt moments, Recanati Winery launched its new flagship wine, JACOB , named after the ancestors of the two owners. Created in honor of these two forebears, JACOB is now available in a limited edition of just 3,000 bottles, after aging for over seven years.
This new wine carries a story of heritage, luxury, and an undeniable connection between people and land. The owners frequently mentioned their longing for times of honor: respect for the land, respect between individuals, and respect among nations and peoples. These sentiments inspired Leni Recanati and Uri Shaked to create flavors that evoke those cherished moments.
Like many other wineries, Recanati Winery faced significant challenges over the past year. For eight years, the winery worked on establishing a visitor center near the vineyards and farmers, just seven kilometers from Lebanon. A week before the grand launch, disaster struck. This wine represents a beacon of hope and a reminder of the necessity to continue producing, working, and preserving heritage.
Mediterranean Elegance
The 2017 vintage combines two wine regions and two powerful varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon from the Upper Galilee and Carignan from the Judean Plain. The result is a rich wine with flavors and aromas of ripe red fruits, cassis, cherry, and black plum, along with Mediterranean seasoning that connects it to the land and maintains its local character.
The wine requires some time to rest before drinking. Initially dominant and robust, it develops its Israeli Mediterranean character over time, showcasing more seasoning and intriguing roughness.
Personally, I found it paired well with rich, creamy cheeses that highlighted its green herbal seasoning, and with hearty meat dishes that brought out the red fruit flavors. In short, it complements food without overwhelming it, enhancing its flavors.
Launch Amidst Conflict
The wine spent two years in barrels and an additional five years in bottles and was initially set to be unveiled alongside the official opening of the winery’s new building in Dalton, Upper Galilee, near the Lebanese border. However, the events of the conflict altered these plans.
Currently, the winery is operating in a production-only mode and is not open to visitors. Consequently, the wine, which was produced in limited quantities, will only be available at select wine shops.
Price: NIS 499