Color: Deep red/purple
Aroma: Red and black berries, plum, baking spices, subtle earthiness
Flavor: Ripe fruit, soft tannins, balanced acidity
Body: Medium
Finish: Smooth, lingering notes of fruit and spice
About the Wine
The Carignan grape is believed to have originated in the Spanish region of Cariñena in Aragón—hence its name. From there, it spread to Italy and France, where it thrived in the warm, sunny climate of Southern France, especially the Languedoc-Roussillon region. There, Carignan was used both as a single-varietal wine and blended with Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
By the 1970s, Carignan was the most widely planted grape in Southern France thanks to its high productivity and ability to grow with little water—making it perfectly suited for Israel as well.
Carignan has deep roots in modern Israeli winemaking. In the 1970s, it made up over 55% of the country’s grape plantings, primarily in the coastal plain. Back then, though, most of it was used for table wine, kiddush wine, and grape juice—not the fine wine we enjoy today.
That started to change thanks to trailblazers like Assaf Paz of Vitkin Winery. Recognizing the grape’s untapped potential, he shifted the focus from quantity to quality by dramatically lowering yields. Since 2002, Vitkin has been producing outstanding Carignan, with the 2021 vintage standing out as a flagship wine. Made from mature vines, it shows concentrated flavors, balanced acidity, and freshness that make it both complex and approachable.
About the Winery
Vitkin Winery was founded in 2001 by brothers-in-law Doron Belogolovsky and Assaf Paz, together with Doron’s wife (and Assaf’s sister), Sharona.
Doron, a marble craftsman, spent years working in Italy where he developed a passion for wine. He planted a small vineyard in his yard and began experimenting as a self-taught winemaker. Assaf, originally a pastry chef, studied oenology in Bordeaux and gained hands-on experience in wineries across France, California, and Australia before returning to Israel to work at leading producers like Tishbi, Binyamina, and Carmel.
With Sharona’s architectural vision, the three built Vitkin Winery in Kfar Vitkin, setting out to create wines that truly reflect Israel’s Mediterranean climate and terroir. They championed lesser-known varieties for Israel, such as Carignan, Colombard, and Petite Sirah.
In 2015, Vitkin moved into its current home in the Hefer Valley near Netanya. The beautiful facility, designed by Sharona, houses both the winery and a welcoming visitor center offering tastings and a “farm-to-table” menu. Though slightly off the beaten path, it’s easy to reach and close to local attractions like the Alexander Stream Nature Reserve and Turtle Bridge. A must-visit stop for any wine lover traveling in Israel!
While a few vines are grown on-site, most grapes are sourced from top vineyards across the country, allowing the team to match each variety with the region best suited to it.
About the Winemaker
Assaf Paz is among Israel’s most respected winemakers. He was the first Israeli to graduate from Bordeaux’s oenology program and went on to gain international experience in France, Australia, and California. Back in Israel, he honed his craft at leading wineries before dedicating himself full-time to Vitkin.
His philosophy has always been to craft wines that express Israel’s unique terroir and climate. Beyond Carignan, Vitkin produces distinctive bottlings of Pinot Noir, Grenache (both red and white), Gewürztraminer, and Riesling—varieties that are rare and exciting in the Israeli wine scene.
Where to Find
Vitkin Carignan 2021 is available at select wine shops and online at Kosherwine.com. Use this [special link] to support Israel Wine Girl with your purchase.
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