Dalton Winery

The Dalton Winery is set in the beautiful green, mountainous country of the Upper Galilee, five kilometres from the Lebanese border, overlooking the Hermon Mountain.

The Winery was established in 1995 when the Haruni family from England came to settle in Israel. Initially the winery was situated in makeshift premises in Moshav Kerem Ben Zimra and produced some 20,000 bottles, but now it occupies its own home overlooking the Hula Valley and currently makes about 800,000 bottles annually.

THE WINEMAKERS

The winemaking team at Dalton is lead by winemaker Naama Mualem, Na'ama grew up in the north of Israel and comes from a family with close links to the wine industry. Na'ama joined Dalton in 2002 after completing her studies at the world famous Roseworthy faculty at the University of Adelaide, and with work experience in California and Australia. Naama is aided by Australian wine consultant John Worontschak. John has worked with the winery since its establishment in 1995 and has offered the winery both technical expertise and an international perspective in winemaking.

The winemaking philosophy is essentially new world fruit driven wines as befits a country with an abundance of sunshine, though lately the winery has been looking to develop some of its premium wines into more classical styles reminiscent of the European wineries.

THE REGION

Dalton Winery and its vineyards are located in an exclusive area of the Upper Galilee (Merom Hagalil). The vineyards of Kerem Ben Zimra reach an altitude of between 800 - 900 metres above sea level. This volcanic plateau combining high altitude, optimum soil conditions and a unique climate provide the ideal conditions for growing grapes in Israel. The cold winters provide an essential dormant period for the vines, while hot summer days with cool summer nights enable the grapes to mature at a steady rate, factors which allow us to grow excellent grapes for excellent wines.

Dalton is the only winery situated in this area, and can boast that it is one of the only wineries in Israel located minutes from all its vineyards. The proximity to the vineyards allows the winemaker to constantly monitor the vines throughout the year and, closer to vintage, decide the optimal time for harvest, it also ensures that the grapes arrive in the winery immediately after harvesting and do not have to suffer the indignity of traveling many hours in the midday sun, before they are processed.

Since the establishment of the Dalton, the Upper Galilee area has been transformed into a successful mainstream tourist destination. Surrounded by beauty and history, the Dalton Winery is close to a wide variety of attractions, many of great religious and historical significance. The area is distinctively picturesque, offering views of the surrounding vineyards, the Hula Valley and the snow-capped Hermon Mountain. Visitors are most welcome.

From the Wines of the Binyamina Winery

Opal 2007
Sauvignon Blanc

Growing region
Single vineyard - Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee planted in deep and well drained basaltic soil conducive to cultivating rich grapes with a perfect balance between invigorating fruitiness and aromatic maturity.

Production process
The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested manually in September 2007. After manual sorting the bunches underwent gentle crushing. Only the first juice, rich in aromatic components and tartness, was chosen for this wine. After natural clarification the must underwent slow cold fermentation to preserve its aromatic qualities and was then transferred to one year-old French oak barrels for 6 months of aging.
After bottling the wine continued to age for another year in the winery’s cellars.

Tasting notes
While ripening the these 2007 vintage Sauvignon Blanc were subjected to three heat waves that resulted in a low crop yield of highly concentrated but balanced fruit. This bright clear lemon-yellow colored wine has green lemon and passiflora aromas seamlessly complemented by coffee and vanilla barrel influences.
Opal 2007 combines the richness and complexity of the barrel with robust fruitiness. It may be drunk immediately but will continue to develop flavors and aromas in the coming years.
Especially suitable served with baked sea fish, mustard and wine chicken and ripe soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.

Wine Composition:
Alcohol: 12.8%
pH : 3.30
General acidity: 5.0g/liter

Bottles: 2,900

From the Wines of the Golan Heights Winery

The Wine
The 2007 Yarden Sauvignon Blanc shows off bright notes of fresh lime, kiwi and hints of guava. Its green tropical character, medium body and fresh finish make the wine very drinkable and enjoyable.
Sauvignon Blanc is best consumed within a couple of years of harvest. We enjoy Yarden Sauvignon Blanc along with all sorts of foods. Try with Mexican style gazpacho, spiced with a bit of cumin, lime juice and chipotle chili pepper. We also like to sip along with marinated chicken breasts right off a charcoal grill or off the same grill whole rainbow trout, with three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, rubbed inside and out with a mixture of olive oil, red chili flakes, and crushed dried herbs. Finish the trout with a healthy squeeze of lemon.


The Harvest
A dry winter preceded the 2007 season, resulting in 81% of normal rainfall. A cold March and April gave way to a warm period lasting through the end of July. August and September, our most stable months, did not disappoint us again this year, bringing exactly average temperatures coupled with zero rain- a winegrowing paradise. A warm October shortened the tail of vintage, resulting in a relatively short 13-week harvest. Low yields (8% below expected) helped contribute to a vintage of excellent overall quality.
The 2007 Yarden Sauvignon Blanc is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes from three vineyards in the cool northern Golan Heights: Ortal, Ein Zivan and El Rom. A small portion of the wine ferments and ages in French oak barrels, for a bit of added complexity.


Analytic data
Brix
% Alcohol 13.0
Acid(gr/L) 5.7
Ph 3.14
Sweetness Dry


Growth Area
The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. The Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin, in the central Golan.





The Wine
The 2008 Yarden Mount Hermon White shows off bright aromas of melon, citrus and green apple alongside attractive floral notes. This refreshing medium-bodied wine is ideal for everyday drinking.

Best consumed within a couple of years from harvest, Yarden Mount Hermon White is a great choice to complement delicately flavored foods such as seviche, grilled chicken breasts or gravlax.


The Harvest
The winter rains preceding the 2008 season came light and early. Winter temperatures were fairly normal with a couple of good snowfalls. Both March and April were unusually warm with average daily highs more than 3oC (5oF) higher than normal, moving the entire season up by about ten days. Good weather returned in May and stayed until the end of harvest, resulting in a relatively early and short harvest of very good quality fruit.
The 2008 Yarden Mount Hermon White is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with a bit of Semillon, from vineyards located exclusively in the cool northern Golan Heights. Cold fermentation helps preserve the innate liveliness of these varieties.


Analytic data
Brix
% Alcohol 13.5
Acid(gr/L) 6.0
Ph 3.12
Sweetness Dry


Growth Area
The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin, in the central Golan.

From the Wines of the Saslove Winery

Saslove Reserved, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Silver medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” Competition 2008, 2004 vintage
Gold medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” Competition 2006, 2002 vintage
Silver medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” Competition 2004, 2000 vintage

This Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 24 months in four kinds of barrels. Through the aging process, the wine has imbibed a wide range of flavors. “Taransaud” oak barrels, made of wood from the Allier forests in France , enriched the wine with tastes of clove, vanilla, mint, and cigars. American “Schahinger” oak barrels contributed touches of mocha and butter. French “Magrenan” barrels complement a long finish of Creme Brulée, coffee and dark chocolate. This wine has at least 8 years aging potential.




Saslove Aviv, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Silver Medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” competition 2008, 2006 vintage
Silver Medal in “Decanter" competition 2006, 2004 vintage
Silver Medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” competition 2006, 2004 vintage
Gold Medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” competition 2004, 2002 vintage
Gold Medal in "Challenge International du Vin" 2004, 2002 vintage

The source of this subtle yet intensive wine is to be found in our Galilee vineyards of basalt, terra rosa and limestone soil. The grapes were hand picked and treated gently and meticulously in the winery. This wine is characterized by the distinctive intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon, with the added traits acquired by American and French oak: chocolate, vanilla, mocha cloves, cinammon and smoke.

Saslove Winery

Saslove Winery is a family operated boutique winery. Barry Saslove, owner and wine maker, is one of the pioneers of the rejuvenated Israeli wine industry who has taught wine appreciation and winemaking to thousands of Israelis.

Barry's wines are elegant, soft, rich, complex and most of all a source of pleasure.

In 1998 the Saslove family established the Winery in Kibbutz Eyal, near Kfar Saba. Barry furnished the winery with state-of-the-art equipment from all over the world. The winery includes a temperature-controlled barrel room, a lab, and an open space where the club meetings and wine seminars are held. In 2007 a fermentation site was built in Tzuriel in the Upper Galilee near the vineyards to minimize transportation and for the grapes to arrive fresh and cool.

Golan Heights Winery

The Golan Heights Winery produces premium varietals, proprietary blends and traditional method sparkling wines, marketed under the labels "Yarden", "Gamla" and "Golan".

The winery was founded in 1983 and is located in the small town of Katzrin, high up on the Golan Heights.

By combining state-of-the-art technology with traditional vinification techniques, the company has succeeded in producing award-winning wines, firmly placing Israel on the international wine map.

Binyamina Winery

Binyamina Winery is the fourth largest winery in Israel and it produces some 2.8 million bottles annually under several labels. These are delivered to specialty wine stores, marketing chains, hotels, catering companies and restaurants in Israel and abroad.

The winery currently produces wine under four main labels - The Chosen, Binyamina Reserve, Yogev and Teva, as well as special limited edition wines and liqueurs. We regard each of our wine labels as reflecting a part of an entire enterprise that strives for and ultimately achieves product perfection.

Our Labels:

The Chosen -a reflection of our winemaker's creativity. This is Binyamina Winery's high-end label that includes six wines, each named for one of the Hoshen Stones (the biblical term for the carefully chosen precious stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest). During the production process the winemaker meticulously oversees the manual harvesting and sorting of the grapes, production processes that rely on gravitational forces rather than on mechanical processes, and the wine's long aging.

Binyamina Reserve - the winery's flagship label which reflects the vineyard and its qualities. This label includes eight red and white varietal wines produced from grapes that grow mainly in our Upper and Lower Galilee vineyards. The unique expression of vineyard qualities is the dominant feature in these wines.

Yogev - Binyamina's Yogev label is tribute to our winegrowers. In Hebrew, Yogev means farmer, toiler of the soil. This label reflects the winegrower's contribution to the production of quality wines. Yogev wines are aged in used barrels in order to preserve the natural qualities of the winegrowers' fruit. As a token of our appreciation, we have included the winegrowers' names on the back labels of all Yogev wines.

Teva - Binyamina's most popular label that we regard as reflecting the consumer. This label includes varietal wines, each attributed with a nature that wine consumers can relate to while we cater to the personal taste of each consumer.

Binyamina Winery strives to promote a wine culture in Israel and is regarded as a daring pioneer in the wide range of varieties it offers its customers under its different labels, which include classics from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Shiraz, Chardonnay and Emerald Riesling as well as less known varieties such as Pinotage, Tempranillo and Viognier. There is no doubt that even in the rich and diverse wine world it is important to constantly strive to diversify even further and to offer attractive options to meet developing and increasingly sophisticated consumer tastes. And nobody does it better than Binyamina!