VINILU is very proud to introduce a very special new winery to our portfolio: VITKIN WINERY, founded with a Mediterranean approach to winemaking!

Vitkin is a family owned and run winery, which is considered one of the most exciting and innovative in all of Israel. Vitkin Winery is the pioneer of Mediterranean-style winemaking.

Since 2002, the winery has produced wines made from Carignan, French Colombard, and Petite Syrah, varieties that were all but forgotten for making varietal wines. The family was determined to revive these varieties, nurture them and make fine wines from them. Thus was born the rebirth of the Mediterranean wine revolution in Israel.

Vitkin Winery was founded by two brothers-in-law, winelover, Doron Belogolovsky and Assaf Paz, Israel’s first graduate of the winemaking school in Bordeaux. Later, Sharona Paz-Belogovsky, Doron’s wife and Assaf’s sister, joined them. Together the three of them created a winery, which enjoys a unique status among wine lovers and connoisseurs in Israel.

Israeli journey amongst the vines – The winery’s vineyards are planted throughout Israel, from the mountains of Jerusalem and rolling hills of Carmi Yosef in the Center, to Zichron Ya’akov on the coast, and the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee in the North. The winery has total control of these vineyards, which it manages with great attention to detail.

Jordan River Wines has started in 1953 with planting local varieties in the north of the ‘Mountain Heights’ Plateau, on an altitude of 840 m, formed by an extinguished volcano. This most fertile region of Jordan with basalt soil results in mineral and unique wines from a warm climate. Dry summers with a constant wind and an important difference between day and night temperature enhance a qualitative viticulture. The water from the hills resides on more than 400 m depth, under the hard basalt soil. As from the Seventies, wines are made by Italian winemakers and the international varieties form the majority of the more than 40 varietals planted in the region. Jordan River has revived an ancient wine culture and continuously strives for quality in a unique environment.

Unique terroir and origin to be discovered and enjoyed!

SV29/12/20

https://Jr.jo/winery/

Several Tishbi wines exclusively sold in Belgium by VINILU WINES

Film and editing by Immanuel Vinikas

VINEYARDS

Israel is usually regarded as being part of the Middle East. It may be more accurately considered as being situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region also referred to as the Near East or ‘The Levant.’

CLIMATE   

Mainly Mediterranean. Long, hot dry summers; short wet winters; snow on higher ground. Semi-arid & desert conditions, in the Negev.

SOILS

Volcanic in north; sandy red soils on coast & chalk & limestone on the hills.

HECTARES

5,500 hectares (13,585 acres; 55,000 dunams).

HARVEST (METRIC TONS)

55,000      

VINTAGE

August to end of October – (often begins late July & occasionally ends early November); Machine & hand harvested.

BEST VINTAGES

2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016.

GRAPE VARIETIES

Israel’s traditional volume varieties, Carignan & Colombard, apart from some quality old vine Carignans, are usually only used in inexpensive blends. They are gradually being replaced by international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. Shiraz is proving both popular & suitable for Israel’s climate. Bordeaux varieties have been most successful to date, yet Mediterranean varieties may be more suitable in the longer term. There is research & experimentation with local varieties.

VARIETIES – METRIC TONS %: Cabernet Sauvignon 19%; Carignan 13%; Merlot 12%; Shiraz/ Syrah 7%; Petit Verdot 6%; Argaman 5%; Colombard 4%; Muscat of Alexandria 4%;  Chardonnay 3%; Petite Sirah 3%; Sauvignon Blanc  2%; Emerald Riesling 2%; Cabernet Franc 2%; Malbec 2%; Tempranillo 1%; Gewurztraminer1%, Viognier 1%.

LESS THAN 1% :Pinotage; Muscat Canelli; White Riesling; Pinot Noir; Semillon: Sangiovese; Tempranillo;  Barbera; Muscat Hamburg; Chenin Blanc; Zinfandel; Grenache; Nebbiolo.

LOCAL INTEREST:  Argaman, Baladi, Dabouki, Marawi / Hamdani, Jandali. 

WINERIES

The top 12 wineries account for over 95%. of the wine market.

NO. COMMERCIAL WINERIES:                          70

NO. BOUTIQUE WINERIES:                              250 +

KOSHER:

Wineries – 55% of Israeli wineries are Kosher; 45% Non-kosher.

Wines – 95% of Israeli wines are kosher.

source: www.winesisrael.com