Flam Blanc (OK Kosher) 2017
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Parker
Robert
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
A fresh, crisp and fruity wine. An unoaked style that gives the freshness and the fruit of the Judean Hills centre stage. The wine is aged in stainless steel vats in order to preserve the aromas and typical fruit flavors.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Blanc is a blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Chardonnay, unoaked and very youthful. Only in bottle about six weeks or so when tasted, it seemed super. (I'm trying to get that youthful exuberance out of my head, but it was hard to stop drinking it.) Showing big fruit and slightly unctuous texture, this seems full of peaches and apricots, but then it also shows a hit of acidity and that Sauvignon Blanc spice on the finish. Nicely textured and pretty delicious, this is a fine Blanc. I say—drink them as young as possible, no matter how long they theoretically last. Losing the freshness and exuberance is losing what they are all about.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
With a rich history of wine production dating back to biblical times, Israel is a part of the cradle of wine civilization. Here, wine was commonly used for religious ceremonies as well as for general consumption. During Roman times, it was a popular export, but during Islamic rule around 1300, production was virtually extinguished. The modern era of Israeli winemaking began in the late 19th century with help from Bordeaux’s Rothschild family. Accordingly, most grapes grown in Israel today are made from native French varieties. Indigenous varieties are all but extinct, though oenologists have made recent attempts to rediscover ancient varieties such as Marawi for commercial wine production.
In Israel’s Mediterranean climate, humidity and drought can be problematic, concentrating much of the country’s grape growing in the north near Galilee, Samaria near the coast and at higher elevations in the east. The most successful red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, while the best whites are made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Many, though by no means all, Israeli wines are certified Kosher.