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Barkan Vineyards - The Gold Edition
- Mar 2, 2021
By Gregory Aubrey
The Gold Edition
Welcome to the Gold Edition from Barkan Vineyards. Having won the most Gold & Double Gold medals in international wine competitions from 2008 to 2016, Barkan is a global leader in the wine world. We spoke with Master of Wine and Barkan Chief Winemaker Ido Lewinsohn to learn more about the Reserve Gold wines, and what makes them so special.
As the saying goes, it all begins in the vineyards - and that's absolutely true! When crafting a particular wine, it's important to understand each terroir and the character and style they will ultimately give to the wines. For the Reserve Gold, it was about finding single vineyards that would provide finesse, elegance, and complexity to the wines, and the Upper Galilee region proved to be the perfect fit for both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé. While the Barkan Reserve Series aims to be tastier, fruit-forward, and "commercial" so to speak, the Reserve Gold looks to take it a step further - providing a refined drinking experience with grapes that are of the highest quality - all while remaining at an extremely attractive price point. Let's take a look at the Reserve Gold Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Gold Rosé to discover what makes these wines so unique.
Crater Vineyard, Kerem Ben Zimra - Upper Galilee
The Upper Galilee has long been recognized as being a quality wine growing region, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced from the Crater Vineyard in the Kerem Ben Zimra plots in the heart of the Golan Heights, the single-vineyard Reserve Gold Cabernet Sauvignon shows the distinctive qualities of the Upper Galilee terroir, with a wine that is packed with elegance, rich flavor, and complex character from the aging in oak barrels. As the wine sits in the glass, it's impossible to miss the beauty of the deep ruby red color of the wine. Perhaps the show begins once the vibrant dark fruit aromas of black cherry, plums, and cassis come into play. Then on the palate, juicy flavors of black currant, oak, and tobacco intertwine in perfect harmony with the soft earthy undertones and delicate fruity character of the wine. With its well-balanced tannins, medium acidity, and long, fruity finish, the Barkan Reserve Gold Cabernet Sauvignon is bound to be the ideal match to red meats, mature cheeses, and a good novel. This wine is ready to drink now and will age gracefully for up to five years. Bravo, Ido!
Alma Vineyard - Upper Galilee
As Spring weather permeates the air, the craving for rosé is officially here. While I personally believe rosé can (and should) be consumed year-round, pouring a glass of refreshing pink wine feels like the right move these days. There are some who like their rosé crisp and dry, and others who'd rather go for something a tad more fruit-forward and pleasing to the palate. If you're looking for something in between, this one might be just the one for you. Crafted from 100% Malbec grapes from the Alma vineyard in the Upper Galilee, the grapes were harvested at precise maturity to provide the wine with its exceptional fruity and elegant character. The Barkan Reserve Gold Rosé 2020 is a refreshingly dry and easy-drinking wine packed with just the right amount of fruit-forward aromas and pleasant acidity. It'll be the perfect summer sip to enjoy by the beach or to savor with foods like summer salads, sushi, fish, and fruits. Yes way, rosé!
Say L'Chaim with Barkan!
The Barkan Reserve Gold Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 and Reserve Gold Rosé 2020 deserve your love and attention, and should most importantly be considered serious contenders for your next Shabbos meal or better yet, your Passover Seders! Say L'Chaim with Barkan and enjoy up to 21% off.
