Recanati Winery was set to inaugurate its new home amid the landscapes and vineyards of the Dalton region, near the Lebanese border, in October 2023. Then, war broke out, and the sounds of joy and excitement at the visitor center fell silent. Eli Gidor, the winery's CEO, stated then that production would not cease and that "we will emerge stronger from this event." Indeed, the winery is now launching a new wine series, the 'Kerem Odem' wines from the winery's single vineyard series.
Established in 2000, the winery initially focused on classic international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Over the years, revolutionary changes in approach led to the creation of wines from additional varieties, including endemic and unconventional varieties more suited to the region: Marawi, Bittuni, and Carignan.
In its third decade, the winery adopted a Mediterranean approach, emphasizing the adaptation of grape varieties to their growing regions. This allows for a perfect expression of the terroir and the varietal character of each wine it produces. Thus, creating leaner wines that are easy to drink in any weather, and above all, gastronomic wines suited to Mediterranean cuisine.
Expressing the Terroir
After moving to its new home in the Upper Galilee, the winery launched the Kerem Odem wines. "A series that uniquely expresses the terroir, focusing on the vineyard plot and its unique microclimate, soil type, grape variety, cultivation method, and the winemaking philosophy developed over many years, aiming to present elegant, gastronomic, meticulous, high-quality, and exceptional wines."
According to Kobi Arbiv, the winery's head winemaker, "The Kerem Odem series is a milestone and a significant part of the winery's development over time. The series strives for precision, authenticity, and adaptation of variety to the growing region. These wines reflect complexity, power, and gastronomic suitability, respecting the climate and the terroir from which they came."
Kerem Odem is located in one of the highest growing areas in Israel, North Golan Heights, at an altitude of 1050 meters above sea level. The wines in the series demonstrate a full circle of the winery’s development over time, utilizing classic varieties and adapting them to a location particularly suited to them: a vineyard with basaltic soil, significant altitude, and a cold climate. These unique conditions have created exceptional quality for Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.
Recanati Winery, Sauvignon Blanc Kerem Odem 2021
The wine, aged on its lees for nine months in French oak barrels, is dry and elegant. A complex, herbaceous, and mineral wine in the Sancerre style, leaving long-lasting flavors on the palate. Price: NIS 169.
Recanati Winery, Merlot Kerem Odem 2020
The wine aged for 18 months in large French oak barrels. It features powerful, prominent fruit and earthiness. The palate is pleasantly velvety, with a long, complex, and impressive finish. A soft and caressing wine that doesn’t give a 'kick' like many local Merlots and resembles its French origin. Price: NIS 189.
Recanati Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Kerem Odem 2020 The wine aged for 18 months in large French oak barrels is an exciting wine with a dense nose and fresh black fruit concentration. Elegant, restrained, lean, and not overly ripe, with an excellent structure and nice minerality. The long and impressive finish promises perfect enjoyment paired with a good meal. A very young wine, worth waiting for a while. Price: NIS 189.