Wines from Israel – facts & figures (2018)

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