Nana Winery is one of the most unique creations of the Israeli wine industry. Behind it stands the winemaker Eran (Nana) Raz, the first to produce grapes for vineyards in the Mitzpe Ramon area. This has become a cherished goal for many in the industry and a real trend.
Raz is the winemaker responsible for unique and characterful wines, many of which are truly excellent. The basic natural conditions are what underlie the vineyards' qualities. They are located at an altitude of 800 meters in a desert climate. The extreme temperature differences between day and night, the desert dryness, and the unique soil conditions form the basis for the wines' distinctive flavors and character.
The white wines, based on Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, are mineral-rich, sharp, and precise. The rosé has excellent dryness and fruit, and the reds—one single varietal and two blends; one primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Syrah—boast wonderful fruit and noticeable acidity. Generally, alongside abundant character, Nana wines have great acidity—sharp and precise; this gives the wines a significant additional dimension. Many discerning wine lovers know and love Nana. For those who have not yet been exposed to this winery, it is well worth getting to know. Cheers!
Nana, Chenin Blanc 2022
100% Chenin Blanc from vineyards at an altitude of 800 meters in the upper reaches of the Zin Valley, in the Mitzpe Ramon area. Handpicked. Skin contact, fermentation, and aging in stainless steel tanks. Pale golden color. On the nose: white fruit, green apple, tropical fruit, and minerality. Medium body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 100.
Best paired with: Fish, seafood, and shellfish.
Reviewer’s note: Charming yet restrained tropical fruit, pleasant balancing acidity, surprising minerality for a wine of this price range. High gastronomic appeal. An excellent Chenin Blanc.
Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent).
Nana, Rosé 2022
100% Grenache from vineyards at an altitude of 800 meters in the upper reaches of the Zin Valley in Mitzpe Ramon. Skin contact and spontaneous fermentation in oak barrels. Salmon pink color. On the nose: red fruit and flowers. Light-medium body. 13.5% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 110.
Best paired with: Salads, sandwiches, pastas, seared calamari, grilled chicken thighs, Asian food.
Reviewer’s note: Citrus, florality, good dryness, minerality, and sharpness. Not cheap but well made.
Value for money: 2.5/5 (Realistic).
Nana, Grenache 2022
100% Grenache from vineyards at an altitude of 800 meters in the upper reaches of the Zin Valley, in the Mitzpe Ramon area. Some grapes harvested early, some late. Cold, spontaneous fermentation with stems, 6 months aging in French oak barrels. Crimson red color. On the nose: red fruit, black fruit, and plenty of spices. Medium body. 13.5% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 110.
Best paired with: Beef carpaccio and tartare, minute steak, kebabs.
Reviewer’s note: Very spicy, prominent acidic profile, a degree of sharpness, muscular but fairly thin body. A Mediterranean wine with unique desert character.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Nana, Chardonnay 2022
100% Chardonnay from vineyards at an altitude of 800 meters in the upper reaches of the Zin Valley, in the Mitzpe Ramon area. Handpicked, fermentation and aging for six months in French oak barrels. Golden color. On the nose: white fruit and citrus. Medium-full body. 13.5% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 120.
Best paired with: Fish and seafood. Shellfish. Pork chop.
Reviewer’s note: Like the Chenin Blanc, this Chardonnay also has restrained, good fruit and a significant, sharp, and precise acidic profile. There is also noticeable minerality and a touch of saltiness. The body is broader and there is real richness and uniqueness. A particularly successful Chardonnay suitable for elaborate seafood meals as well as white meats.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Nana, Tethys 2021
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Petit Sirah from vineyards at an altitude of 800 meters in the upper reaches of the Zin Valley, in the Mitzpe Ramon area. 14 months aging in French oak barrels. Slightly purplish red color. On the nose: red fruit, black fruit, and spices. Medium-full body. 14% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 130.
Best paired with: Steaks, beef and lamb stews.
Reviewer’s note: Muscular and fairly broad body, though not as full as other Israeli Cabernet-based wines. Excellent fruit but shows a degree of restraint and control. Noticeable, excellent acidity. Touches of spices at the edges. A well-balanced wine. Less Mediterranean and more Bordeaux-like, but instead of excessive richness, there is a measure of restraint and much cleanliness.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Nana, Cassiopeia 2021
85% Syrah, 10% Petit Sirah, and 5% Petit Verdot from vineyards at an altitude of 800 meters in the upper reaches of the Zin Valley, in the Mitzpe Ramon area. Deep red color. On the nose: red fruit and spices (vanilla, black pepper). Medium-full body. 14.5% alcohol by volume.
Price: NIS 130.
Best paired with: Steak, aged bone-in beef. Beef and lamb stews.
Reviewer’s note: Elegant fruit, noticeable spiciness, significant mass, and like almost all Nana wines—a pronounced acidity. A wine that leans towards Mediterranean flavors and style, doing so with great success. It will accompany any significant meat meal well, without stealing the show, as it should. Like most wines from the excellent terroir of Nana's vineyards, it has everything plus a degree of uniqueness and character derived from the good soil and unique climate conditions.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).