If you’re looking to step outside the usual Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, let me introduce you to a grape that deserves far more attention—Roussanne.
Native to France’s Rhône Valley, Roussanne is prized for producing elegant, aromatic wines with remarkable texture. It’s also one of the more challenging grapes to grow, requiring careful attention in the vineyard. Fortunately, in the hands of talented Israeli winemaker Itay Lahat, the results are outstanding.
The Lahat Roussanne 2024 is made from 100% Roussanne grapes and beautifully showcases what this Mediterranean variety can achieve in Israel’s Western Galilee.
🍑 Tasting Notes
Color: Pale golden straw
Aroma: Stone fruit, delicate floral notes, fresh herbs, and a subtle tea-like character.
Taste: Crisp peach and ripe pear layered over mineral notes with wonderful richness and texture.
Body: Medium to full-bodied
Finish: Bright acidity with a long, elegant finish.
🍷 About Lahat Winery
Founded in 2012 by veteran Israeli winemaker and viticulturist Itay Lahat, Lahat Winery is a boutique winery located in Israel’s beautiful Western Galilee.
The vineyards sit on the foothills east of Mount Meron at elevations of 600–700 meters. While many wineries have traditionally focused on the eastern Upper Galilee, Itay recognized the potential of the Western Galilee, whose Mediterranean climate—with warm days and cool evening breezes—closely resembles France’s Rhône Valley.
That philosophy is reflected throughout the winery’s portfolio, which focuses primarily on Rhône varieties such as Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, and Syrah, produced as both single-varietal wines and carefully crafted blends.
Although Lahat does not have its own winery facility, the wines are produced at Kishor Winery, where Itay also serves as a consulting winemaker.
One of my favorite details is the label itself. The elegant calligraphy represents a flame, the meaning of the Hebrew word Lahat. At the same time, the small acorn, illustrated by Itay’s wife, symbolizes the oak trees surrounding both the vineyards and their home.
🍇 About the Wine
Roussanne is a white grape native to France’s Rhône Valley and is considered one of the region’s most aromatic varieties. Its name comes from the French word roux, meaning russet, referring to the grape’s distinctive coppery-golden color as it ripens.
Lahat crafts this wine as a 100% Roussanne, allowing the grape’s natural character to shine. Instead of aging in oak, the wine is fermented and aged in traditional clay amphorae for nine months on the lees, creating a wine with wonderful texture, vibrant freshness, and a true expression of its terroir.
🍽️ Food Pairing: This Roussanne would be a wonderful addition to your Friday night Shabbat table, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, herb-seasoned potatoes, and grilled vegetables.
👨🌾 Meet the Winemaker
The story of Lahat Winery is really the story of Itay Lahat.
Born in Israel and educated in both Israel and Australia, Itay has devoted his career to understanding how grape varieties express themselves in different climates. His experience as both a winemaker and vineyard consultant reinforced one simple philosophy: grow grapes that naturally belong where they’re planted.
That belief inspired him to establish Lahat Winery in 2012, focusing on Mediterranean grape varieties that thrive in Israel’s climate rather than trying to imitate wines from elsewhere.
As Itay says:
“What we can do better are Mediterranean varieties, in a Mediterranean style, in our own climate.”
After tasting this Roussanne, it’s hard to argue with that philosophy. Thank you, Itay, for believing in Israel’s unique terroir and creating wines that allow it to shine.
📍 Where to Find It
The best way to enjoy wines from Lahat Winery, along with many other outstanding boutique Israeli wineries, is through the Blue White Wine Club at BlueWhiteWine.com.
Perfect for anyone looking to discover exceptional kosher wines, the club delivers four expertly curated shipments each year right to your doorstep. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to explore the incredible diversity of Israeli wine without having to search for hard-to-find bottles.
And if you decide to join, don’t forget to tell them Israel Wine Girl sent you! 🍷🇮🇱
🍷 Israel Wine Girl’s Final Sip
Some wines impress you with power, while others captivate you with elegance. Lahat Roussanne 2024 does both. From its fragrant aromas and vibrant acidity to its thoughtful craftsmanship, this is a wine that reminds us why Israel has become one of the world’s most exciting wine regions.
If you’ve never experienced Roussanne before, this bottle is a wonderful place to begin.
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