By Ken Stephens

You don’t have to be a sophisticated wine connoisseur to enjoy a bottle of Gilgal Wine, but once uncorked, you’ll quickly discover how the agricultural wonders of Northern Israel and sophisticated winemaking craftsmanship provide the key ingredients for one of the best tasting wines in the marketplace.

The Gilgal collection which features, Gilgal Chardonnay 2009, Gilgal Merlot 2007, Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Gilgal Brut, are also the product of an award-winning oenological pedigree. “Gilgal Wines are produced by the Golan Heights Winery, which was recently voted as ‘The Best Wine Producer of the Competition’ at the Gran Vinitaly International Wine Competition in Italy and has been responsible for some of the best wines produced in Israel during the past three decades, ” said Udi Kadim, the CEO of Yarden Inc., which imports Gilgal Wines. “The Gilgal product line consists of wines which have been found to be exceptionally well-suited to the American palate. They are of a high quality, yet not overly complex and excellent value for money.”

Kadim, unearthed the secrets to producing the superior grapes that yield the exquisite wines. He revealed, “While employing age-old techniques in the creation of the wines, Golan Heights Winery also utilizes cutting edge technologies, some developed by NASA, to have an ever better understanding of the vine’s environment (soil, climate, sunlight radiation and optimum angles etc.). To that end we utilize satellite imagery to learn about light radiation and reflection, advanced mathematical algorithms to analyze soil drainage, the vine’s stress levels and more. We have also installed our own weather stations throughout the Golan Heights to have online highly accurate readings of temperatures, humidity and so on. We are considered to be one of the most technologically advance wineries in the industry.”

So now that we know that Gilgal Wines are made from some of the most sophisticated grapes on the planet, how can an amateur wine drinker learn to relish a quality merlot or chardonnay? Kadim claims it’s a matter of cultivating your sense of taste. “To me, the first and most important aspect of wine appreciation is whether you actually enjoy drinking the wine you’ve chosen,” said Kadim. “If one is interested in developing a palate for wine, as you drink it, try and be aware of the sensations it creates in your mouth. Is the wine ‘full bodied’ or ‘light’, what underlying flavors can you taste? If you concentrate a bit, you’ll discover hints of different fruits such as currants or berries, or various flowers or herbs etc. The next level might be discussing the wine with friends and family. Often when you do so, people will suggest elements that they experienced when drinking the wine, some of which might have initially eluded you. What they tasted might ring a bell.”

Kadim offered, “The days of pairing wines with specific foods are pretty much over. Essentially people are leaning more towards drinking what works together for them. That being said, a light fresh wine for example, is unlikely to go well with a heavy meat dish, as it will just disappear in the palate.”

Bearing this in mind, Kadim, who also imports the Golan Heights Winery’s distinguished Yarden Wines suggested:

White Wines

*Gilgal Chardonnay is a medium-bodied wine with a refreshing finish. It goes well with fish, ranging from spicy ceviche to cold poached salmon or grilled, and fresh sardines. It also works with cheese and egg-based dishes.

*Yarden Sauvignon Blanc is complex and medium bodied with a long fruit finish. It’s great with fresh fish, such as ceviche, tuna tartar or grilled sardines. It also works well with poultry, or with fresh or aged goat’s milk cheeses.

*Yarden Mount Hermon White is one of Yarden’s best sellers, highlighting a balanced combination of tropical fruits, melon and citrus notes along with light herb notes; medium bodied with a fresh finish. It’s a very versatile wine that goes well with a wide variety of foods, from Caesar salad to garlicky gazpacho or a rich cheese fondue.

Red Wines

*Yarden Mount Hermon Red is a popular favorite. Featuring a deep red-purple color and full fruit flavor, it matches up well with robustly flavored foods such as pastas, pizzas, meat dishes, as well as grilled hamburgers and steaks.

*Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon highlights ripe cherry and cassis fruit notes, layered with rich oak, vanilla and spice; medium bodied with a  velvety texture. The wine works well with full-flavored foods, such as roasted duck, beef steak or pasta in tomato sauce.

*Yarden Pinot Noir is a perfectly balanced wine. You can serve it with wild mushroom risotto or roasted pigeon in wine sauce.

*Yarden Syrah is a full bodied, spicy wine. It can be served with full-flavored foods such as cassoulet, smoked goose breast finished on the grill, or Beef Wellington. Bonus tip! Try Yarden Syrah with a rich chocolate cake. Other than the calories, you won’t be sorry.

Dessert Wine

*Yarden Heightswine is an intense, multi-layered and sweet wine, with a rich, long complex finish.  Excellent on its own as dessert treat, but can also be served with a variety of dessert dishes.

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