This Shabbat we are featuring one of the world’s most popular wines, “Sauvignon Blanc”. Known for its fresh flavor and distinctive aromas, it is one of the most enjoyed wines across the globe. One of Israel’s top producers of this varietal is the Golan Heights Winery with their Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Offering great QPR (quality price ratio) this wine will definitely make your Shabbat a Delight!
Sauvignon Blanc is a varietal that originated in Western France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux where it was quite popular. In the late 1880’s it made its way to California, but initially was avoided by many wine drinkers as they considered it too sweet or too acidic. Robert Mondavi changed all that in the 1960’s when he crafted Fume Blanc; Sauvignon Blanc wine aged in new oak to give it more of a creamy feel.
The winemaker at Golan Heights Winery, Victor Schoenfeld, is a native Californian that worked at the Robert Mondavi Winery before coming to Israel in the early 1990’s. Like Mondavi, Schoenfeld is a trend setter, and his wines are crafted to reflect Israel’s unique terroir and climate. Golan Heights vineyards range in elevation from 1,200 to 4,000 feet, and sit on volcanic soil. This means they hold water well, allowing the vine’s roots to dig deep into the soil which produces rich wines. Their vineyards also enjoy cool breezes from the Mediterranean and warm sunny days. Schoenfeld has called the Golan Heights “a winemaker’s paradise”.
The Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, fruit-forward, medium bodied, and high in citrus acidity. It was cold fermented to preserve fresh flavors and the taste is that of tropical fruits; guava and kiwi. It does well as a sipping wine with appetizers, or had with a lunch of chicken or fish.
Since Oct. 7th, growing grapes in Israel’s northernmost location has been quite a challenge. While Golan Heights Winery has fared better than other wineries in the area, they did have to close their Visitor Center for a period of time, but the winery itself has continued to remain fully operational. This does not mean they do not have to increase caution, especially when outside tending vines, but they prevail, and we can thankfully put the Golan Heights Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc “2023” wine on our tables.
The best way for those of us in the international community to support their efforts is with the purchase of this wine. At just under $20.00 a bottle, the Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc offers great quality for the price. I picked up two bottles at the Total Wines in Cherry Hill, where the shelves were well stocked. It is showing available at Westchester Wine Warehouse, and should be available through the online sites soon.
Israel Wine Girl 
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