The following article appeared on wines-israel.com. The opinions expressed are those of the author
Carmel Winery has launched a single vineyard Riesling. The wine comes from the celebrated Kayoumi vineyard in the foothills of Mount Meron, in the Upper Galilee.
Carmel Riesling, Kayoumi Vineyard 2010 is 100% made from Johannisberg Riesling (aka White Riesling). The Riesling is situated in the higher part of the sloping vineyard at an elevation of 780 meters above sea level.
The grapes were night harvested, and the must was fermented at cold temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the delicate fruit and flavors. Then the wine was left to age in bottle for 6 to 7 months before release, to allow the complexity of the wine to develop.
Carmel Riesling is off dry, but at 5 grams per liter residual sugar, it is virtually dry, and on the border between dry & semi dry. The color of the wine is pale straw with tints of green. The aroma is of citrus blossom, green apple and lime. The wine is medium bodied with a prominent and refreshing acidity.
Carmel has become known for its Appellation Johannisberg Riesling. Since first being launched in 2005, it has been a regular gold medal winner in Israel’s premier competition Eshkol Ha’Zahav, in the category of ‘Aromatic White Wines.’ Furthermore the 2005 is still remarkably fresh, with the characteristic petrol nose associated with aged Rieslings. So it is a wine that will age for a few years.
This wine is part of the newly launched Carmel Single Vineyard series, which includes a Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Gewurztraminer. A Merlot will soon follow. The labels, which have drawings of the vineyards on them, are distinguished by their simplicity and elegance.
Riesling is a variety most associated with cooler climates, particularly in Germany, Alsace and New Zealand. However, there are also good Rieslings in hotter climates, for example in Australia, where the variety is often known as Rhine Riesling. The Carmel Riesling, from Kayoumi Vineyard, may be the best Riesling yet produced in Israel.
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