“Stratus” is derived from the stratus cloud — a name thoughtfully chosen to reflect the wine’s complex, layered character.
🍷 Tasting Notes
Color: Deep burgundy
Aroma: Raspberry and cocoa
Taste: Rich layers of dark fruit and spice
Body: Medium- to full-bodied
Finish: Long and pleasantly lingering
🍇 About the Wine
Matar Stratus 2023 is an expressive red wine crafted from 100% Shiraz (Syrah) and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. Shiraz is known for producing bold, structured wines with generous dark fruit flavors, warm spice notes, and impressive depth.
For many years, historians believed the Shiraz grape was linked to the ancient Persian city of Shiraz. Modern DNA research has since confirmed that the grape actually originated in France’s Rhône Valley, where it is traditionally known as Syrah.
The variety later made its way to Australia in the early 19th century, where it became widely known as “Shiraz,” likely due to pronunciation differences or labeling variations. In Australia’s warm climate and diverse terroirs, the grape thrived — producing rich, fruit-forward wines. Today, Shiraz remains the country’s most widely planted red variety and a true national icon.
Shiraz has also adapted beautifully to Israel’s Mediterranean climate. While grown throughout the country, the Golan Heights is considered one of its finest regions for the variety. High elevations, mineral-rich volcanic soils, dramatic temperature shifts, and intense sunlight allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop deep concentration. The result is wines that are powerful, complex, and full of character.
🏔️ About the Winery
Pelter Winery was founded in the early 2000s by brothers Tal Pelter and Nir Pelter. What began as a small backyard venture soon evolved into a respected winemaking enterprise.
In 2005, the winery relocated to Kibbutz Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights, where it remains today. This remarkable region — overlooking the Sea of Galilee and beneath the slopes of Mount Hermon — has played a significant role in the evolution of modern Israeli wine.
Its combination of elevation, volcanic soils, warm sunny days, and cool nights creates ideal growing conditions. These factors allow grapes to mature gradually and develop exceptional flavor, balance, and structure — qualities clearly reflected in the wines.
For the Pelters, whose vineyards surround their Golan Heights Winery, production began with just a few thousand bottles and has since grown to well over 250,000.
Interestingly, they operate two wineries side by side: Pelter, their non-kosher line, and Matar, their kosher line, with each producing over 100,000 bottles. While it’s not uncommon in Israel for a winery to start as non-kosher and later convert to kosher, what makes Pelter unique is the creation of two separate wineries within a single location—each with its own distinct label.
👨🔬 About the Winemaker
Winemaker Tal Pelter began his studies in viticulture at the Weizmann Institute of Science before earning his degree at Curtin University in Australia.
He gained valuable experience working at Darlington Estate and Evans & Tate before returning to Israel in 2001 with a vision to craft wines that would express the country’s unique terroir.
Although the winery has grown from a boutique producer into one of Israel’s well-known names, Tal remains deeply involved in every stage of the winemaking process, maintaining a strong focus on quality, precision, and authenticity.
❤️ Why I Like This Wine
I truly enjoy Matar Stratus 2023 because it achieves a beautiful balance between richness and elegance 🍇✨. The wine delivers generous dark fruit and warm spice, yet remains smooth, refined, and wonderfully approachable.
Its layered personality — much like the cloud for which it is named ☁️ — slowly reveals itself in the glass. With each sip, new nuances emerge, making it a wine that invites you to slow down and savor the experience 🍷.
I also appreciate how gracefully this wine reflects the unique growing conditions of the Golan Heights 🌄. It is expressive and full-bodied, yet polished and structured — a wonderful example of the exciting quality being produced in Israel today 🇮🇱.
This is a wine I would happily serve at Shabbat dinner 🕯️, share with friends at a festive meal 🎉, or enjoy on a quiet evening when I want something both comforting and special 💙.
📍 Where to Find
You can find Matar Stratus 2023 at Total Wine & More 🛒🍷.
Matar wines are also available online at KosherWine.com 💻🍇 — use code IWG5 for a 5% discount ✨.
Israel Wine Girl 
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