Just Israeli Wine, the UK distributor for the Golan Heights Winery, is launching the first Portuguese red wine to be produced in Israel.
Made from the traditional Portuguese classics of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cao, the Golan Heights Winery’s first release of Yarden 2T follows years of careful growing and study of these two unique varieties.
The winery planted its Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cao vines in the Yonatan Springs Vineyard, located 700meters above sea level. The Winery also grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and other varieties in this vineyard, which was planted in 2004.
Managing director of Just Israeli Wine, Philip Allott, said: “Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cao are two Portuguese wine grape varieties that, although very different from each other, are used in making excellent wines in Portugal. These varieties usually grow in areas that are characterised by very rocky soil and average-to-warm temperatures.”
Golan Heights Winery, Israel’s leading wine maker, began considering growing these grapes in the mid-90s, and eventually commenced planting in 2005. As with many other varieties, Golan Heights Winery was the first wine producer in Israel to plant Tinta Cao and Touriga Nacional.
Mr Allott added: “It’s very exciting to see how well these varieties have adapted in the Golan Heights region. We are happy to introduce a wine to the UK that is very interesting, and quite different from wines produced by the winery until now.”
Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cao are famous in Portugal as outstanding dry and sweet wines of the Douro Valley. The 2008 Yarden 2T displays an intriguing mix of cherry, plum and floral notes layered with characters of spice, chocolate and French oak. The wine is full-bodied and delicious.
While ready to enjoy now, the 2008 Yarden 2T will improve with age and remain in excellent drinking condition for years to come. Try pairing the wine with grilled steaks, braised beef with garlic, thin-crust pizza with mushrooms, or cheese like a good Gruyere.
Yarden 2T joins the first two wines – the 2008 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2008 Yarden Merlot – recently released from the 2008 vintage, which is proving to be a harvest of exceptional quality.
