israel,  kosher wine

A Peek at Psâgot Wines of Israel

Psâgot Wines Wines Keeping the Tradition and Taste 

Wait, wines of Israel?  Yes. For some, Israel is a lesser known region in terms of wine.  However, Israel has been producing wine since biblical times. The land of Israel is noted in the bible for having fruits of the vine and wine was exported from Israel and on trade routes. Today, there are five Israeli wine-producing regions: Galil (Galilee, including the Golan Heights), the Judean Hills, surrounding the city of Jerusalem, the Negev, a semi-arid desert region, Shimshon (Samson) and the Sharon plain (Samaria) near the Mediterranean coast, surrounding the towns of Zichron Ya’akov and Binyamina.  As many celebrate Passover, Easter and other religious observances different times throughout the year, Psâgot Wines of Israel is one winery every wine lover should know.  
Psagot Winery, located in the northern region of Jerasulem, was founded in 2003 by Yaakov Berg. The vineyards are planted upon the harsh, chalky mountain terraces of the Binyamin and Samaria region, an area known to produce high quality wines and, in fact, the largest grape growing area in Israel. The high elevation, climate and soil make for optimal conditions.  Today, Psagot Winery produces more than 350,000 bottles from a range of 11 different varieties each year.  
At Psâgot, the fruit is harvested by hand. “Our wines are made in a unique process that relies on the latest technological advancements while drawing inspiration from centuries-old winemaking techniques. The winemaking process is conducted in a localized and controlled environment, out of pure love and respect for the fruits of the earth.” 

Psâgot Winery produces wines in several vineyards: Psagot, Kida, Har Braha, Elon Moreh and Mata.

Psâgot Vineyards

Psâgot vineyard yields their most robust and aromatic wines. The vineyard is planted upon ancient chalk terraces which are rarely irrigated.  This, of course, forces the grapes to grow deep and struggle, thereby, enhancing the quality of the grapes and leads to richer, more complex wines. , such as our signature single-vineyard wine, harvested exclusively from the Psâgot vineyard. Here, low crop yields, high altitude at 900 meters above sea level, and the snow-covered vineyards are conducive for their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varieties.

Kida Vineyards

The Kida Vineyard is on the eastern slope of a mountain and faces west. The rocky soil is used to produce Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah, and Gewürztraminer.

Har Braha Vineyards

Har Braha is optimal for growing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties at 850 meters above sea level.

Elon Moreh Vineyards

Elon Moreh is planted atop the eastern slope of the mountain, 850 meters above sea level. Varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, while limited batches of white grapes are also grown here.

Mata Vineyards

The Mata vineyard, on the western slope of the Gush Etzion range in the Judean Mountains is suitable for growing all types of grapes, and various wine blends. The high elevation is conducive for Viognier, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc varieties.

Photos c/o Psagot Winery

Psâgot’s Signature Coin Emblem

Psâgot Winery’s signature emblem is actually a remnant from the biblical era.  According to the winery, an ancient cave from the Hasmonean Dynasty period was discovered during construction.  Interestingly, a coin dating back to the Great Revolt of 73–66 BC was also discovered. The front of the coin is stamped with the words “For Freedom of Zion” and adorned with a vine leaf, while the back displays the words “Year Two” (to the Revolt), alongside an image of an amphora – an ancient container used for storing wine. For Psâgot Winery, the coin represents their deep connection to the earth and to their roots. You will notice the historical coin image on each bottle they produce.

This Wining Hour, I had the pleasure of tasting a few of Psagot’s wines.

Psâgot Cabernet Franc 2016

This Cabernet Franc Mevushal Series by Psâgot Wines was my first experience with Psagot.  It was a great introduction to the brand and made me want to taste more.  Psâgot Kosher Cabernet Franc has a beautiful ruby red color with aromas of black cherry and pomegranate with earthy, herbal undertones. On the palate is delicious dark fruit, cherry, cranberry and peppers with soft tannins. The combination of fruit and oak are perfectly balanced. Kosher. 14.5% ABV.

Psâgot Peak 2014

Psâgot in Hebrew actually means peaks. Peak is a southern Rhone red blend of Syrah (42%), Petite Sirah (42%) and Mourvedre (16%). Peak has aromas of blackberry and chocolate, with a palate of dark berries and vanilla spice followed by a burst of tannins that continue through the finish. I would absolutely decant this wine for a bit. Kosher. 14% ABV. 

Psâgot Edom 2014

PsâgotEdom is a Bordeaux blend produced using a unique combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (16%), Merlot (63%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Petit Verdot (11%) varietals. The grapes are hand-harvested and then aged for 14 months in French wood barrels. Awesome black cherry, vanilla and chocolate on the nose, with yummy black fruit, blackberry, plum, cigar and minerals from the Judean hills on the palate. Edom is balanced and very well structured. Kosher. 14.5% ABV

“Here at the Psagot winery, we set our eyes to the future and believe in a harmonious marriage of innovation, technology, roots, and history. Alongside our traditional aged varieties, our new range of specialty wines will satisfy even the most adventurous palette.”  I couldn’t agree more.

For delicious, Kosher wines that maintain both tradition and taste, try Psagot Wines.  

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Planted, harvested and aged in NY. I have a background in education and marketing, with a love and passion for travel...and all things wine. In addition to writing about wine, I also maintain an online wine boutique (thewininghour.com) that caters to the winelover, as well as the weekly vinous winechat (#WiningHourChat) on Twitter (see page for more info).

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