Odem Mountain Winery Volcanic Chardonnay 2019

On this day, Oct. 7th, we remember those whom were brutally murdered, those taken from us, and those still held hostage.

This coming Shabbat, beginning Friday night Oct. 10th, the holy day of Yom Kippur will be observed. During this time, Jews refrain from eating and drinking. This includes not partaking of the Friday night wine. We are therefore recommending, Odem Mountain Winery’s Chardonnay, a lovely wine, to be enjoyed on Saturday evening at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. It has both the aroma and flavor of green apple, melon, and a bit of citrus. Medium bodied and just slightly creamy, it’s crisp and easy to drink, 

Odem Mountain, located in the Golan Heights, is Israel’s Northernmost winery; known for rich basaltic soil and vineyards at 1060 meters above sea level. The warm days and cool nights of the region allow them to grow grapes of exceptional quality and produce excellent wines with great character and depth.

Odem Mountain Winery is a family run business that was started in 2003, by Michael and Idit Alfasi at the Odem Moshav. Their son Adam was the original winemaker, and Yishai the vineyard manager. Both brothers continue in these roles and along with other members of the family make up the “Odem Team”.  In addition to the more traditional grapes (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)  they also grow Nebbiolo, Viognier, and Syrah.  Odem is currently growing on 37 acres, 70% of their grapes are Estate Grown, and they produce close to 100,000 bottles a year. 

We picked up the Odem Mountain Volcanic Chardonnay 2019 at the Total Wines in Cherry Hill, NJ. The “Volcanic” line of wines celebrates the rich soil located on their estate, making for elegant whites and powerful reds. The plots for these grapes are at the highest possible elevation and even get snow in the winter. In 2019, the region saw plenty of rain,  a cool spring, and a moderate summer. The grapes were hand picked and aged in French oak for 5 months. The winemaker also used the sur-lie method (wine resting on the lees) to enhance aroma and flavor. 

The Alfasi Family at Odem Mountain Winery want us to know they are all “ok”. The news this week of heavy rocket fire in Israel’s North continues, and there is danger all around them,  but they are committed to the work of producing Israeli wine with the same passion and dedication. A missile did hit their MERLOT, setting the vines on fire, but they are still “ok”.  There are times they can’t enter their vineyard or winery, but are adapting and trying their best to maintain production. 

Let’s keep the Alfasi Family in our prayers and support them by purchasing their wines. The Odem Volcanic Chardonnay and Cabernet can both be found on the shelves at Total Wine Stores. Odem Mountain wines are also available at Kosher Wine Warehouse, free Shipping with a purchase of $99. Use the code ISRAELWINEGIRL for 10% off your entire purchase.