A Wine That Makes Me Smile 😊
“Cracklin’ Rosie… get on board…” 🎵
If you’re now humming Neil Diamond, you’re not alone. Every time I open a bottle of Sparkling Rosie from Psagot Winery, that’s exactly what happens to me. As a lifelong Neil Diamond fan, I can’t help but think of his 1970 hit whenever I see the label.
Now, before anyone asks… no, I don’t know if Winemaker Sam Soroka named the wine after the song. But every time I pour a glass, I smile.
🍷 Tasting Notes
Color: Pale pink
Aroma: Strawberry, raspberry, citrus, and brioche
Taste: Bright red berries, citrus, lively bubbles, and refreshing acidity
Body: Medium
Finish: Crisp and vibrant
🍾 About the Wine
Simply put…this wine is SOOO YUMMY!
One sip may have you wanting to get up and sing.
Neil Diamond’s Cracklin’ Rosie was about a simple sparkling wine enjoyed on a lonely Saturday night.
Sam Soroka’s Sparkling Rosie is something entirely different—expertly crafted, elegant, vibrant, and refined. This is a sparkling wine meant to be shared with family and friends around a wonderful meal.
Sparkling Rosie is made using the Traditional Method (also known as méthode traditionnelle), the same process used to make Champagne. The bubbles are created naturally during a second fermentation inside the bottle, giving the wine its fine bubbles, creamy texture, and elegant character. Sparkling Rosie was aged for one year before being finished, fitted with the familiar mushroom-shaped cork and wire cage, and released.
Sparkling Rosie pairs beautifully with rich, salty, and savory foods. The wine’s bright acidity and lively bubbles cut through richness and cleanse the palate, while its red berry flavors complement a variety of dishes.
🍇 About the Winery
Located in the Binyamin region, just north of Jerusalem, Psagot Winery is one of Israel’s most picturesque wineries. At the center of the property is a beautiful Jerusalem stone building that houses the production facility, visitor center, and banquet hall. A peaceful courtyard garden sits in the middle, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The vineyards are equally spectacular. Sitting approximately 960 meters (3,150 feet) above sea level, they benefit from limestone-rich soils, warm sunny days, and cool nights—ideal conditions for producing premium wine grapes.
Today, Psagot produces more than 25 different wines that are exported around the world. Their wines consistently earn prestigious awards and international recognition for quality.
👨🔬 About the Winemaker
Psagot’s winemaker, Sam Soroka, was born in Canada. He studied Food Science at McGill University before earning his winemaking degree at the University of Adelaide in Australia. Before moving to Israel in the early 2000s, Sam made wine in Australia, California, and France. Since then, he has worked at several respected Israeli wineries, including serving as Chief Winemaker at Carmel Winery.
Sam has a remarkable ability to elevate every winery fortunate enough to have him, and Psagot is certainly no exception.
He pays meticulous attention to every stage of the winemaking process, beginning in the vineyard where he carefully determines the ideal harvest time for each variety. His goal is always to produce wines that express both exceptional quality and a true sense of place.
As for whether Sam can sing like Neil Diamond…I honestly can’t say.
Thanks, Sam, for another outstanding wine. Keep making great bottles…and if Sparkling Rosie really was inspired by Neil Diamond, I promise I won’t tell anyone. 😉
📍 Where to Find It
Psagot Sparkling Rosie is available online from KosherWine.com. Use code IWG5 for a discount.
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