Vitkin Winery
Vitkin Winery is a family boutique winery. It is considered to be one of the most fascinating in the Israeli wine industry, being the pioneer in the Mediterranean approach and with expertise in producing original Israeli wines. For the past two decades the winery has been producing high-quality wines from varieties such as Carignan, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah -- varieties often overlooked by other local wineries. They are also famous for their high quality vegan wines.
Vitkin Wine Series
Vitkin Journey Series:
The Vitkin Journey Red has a bright purple violet color, with aromas of ripe plums, violet, Mediterranean herbs, pepper and a little vanilla. It has a good complexity, a balanced body and a pleasant fruity finish. The Carignan gives it the strong color and the rich fruit character, the Syrah contributes some spice to the taste profile, while the Cabernet Franc lends body and structure. To be enjoyed within 3-4 years of the vintage. Vegan.
The Vitkin White Israeli Journey is made from a unique blend of grapes sourced from vineyards throughout the land of Israel. The final product is a fresh and accessible wine that is aromatic and fresh. This dry blend is made of Viognier, Colombard, and Gewurztraminer. It has a exotic floral bouquet and rich yellow fruit flavors with notes of zesty citrus. Vegan.
Vitkin Premium Series:
The Vitkin Gewürztraminer is pale gold in color, fragrant and aromatic. On the nose, fresh roses, peach, apricot, lychee and lime. Light to medium-bodied, dry and crisp. On the palate, lime, juicy tart apricot, white peach, and orange blossom water, with earthy minerals, and medium-plus acidity that balances out beautifully. Light lychee and guava notes on the long and vibrant finish. Vegan.
Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 30% new oak. 100% old vine Carignan from the Carmel and Alona regions. Deep purple color, with complex aromas of European plum, black cherry, pomegranate, mint with sweet herbs. The wine has earthy flavors and floral notes. A high quality wine which is a standard bearer of Mediterranean wines in Israel. To be drunk 5-7 years after vintage.
100% Pinot Noir from the slopes of the Judean Hills. Aged for ten months in large French oak barrels, with toasting characteristics of Burgundy. 20% new oak. A well-balanced wine, rich yet elegant. It is comparatively light-bodied, fresh flavored with rich red fruit and floral notes. Recommended to open a few hours in advance of consumption.
Aged for 16-18 months in French oak barrels, 20% new oak. 100% Petite Sirah from the oldest Petite Sirah vineyard in Israel in the Judean Hills. Deep purple, almost opaque, with generous ripe fruit and sweet spice aromas, an earthy flavor and floral notes. A full-bodied, characterful wine which may be cellared for many years. To be drunk 8-10 years after vintage
Vitkin Cabernet Franc
Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Made primarily from Cabernet Franc with some Petit Verdot, from a single vineyard in the Upper Galilee. The wine has a deep purple, almost black color, with dominant aromas of forest fruits, black cherry, cocoa, and a pleasant green character with a backdrop of smoked meats. It is elegant, complex and very well-balanced. To be drunk 6-8 years after vintage
The Vitkin Grenache Blanc is comprised of Grenache Blanc from the Upper Galilee and a little Roussanne from the Judean Hills. Fifty percent of the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks, the remainder was fermented and aged in French oak barrels for 5 months. A deep but elegant wine with delicate citrus aromas and hints of green almonds and summer fruits, against a backdrop of aromas and flavors from the oak barrels. As the wine opens up it expresses floral character and increased complexity. Vegan.
Quick Facts About Vitkin Wines
How to Pronounce Vitkin: VIT-kin
Located in: Kfar Vitkin, Central Israel
Established in the year: 2001
Sources grapes from: Kfar Vitkin, Jerusalem Mountains and Karmei Yosef in the south, Zichron Yaakov in Central Israel, and the Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee in the north
Head winemaker: Assaf Paz
What are Vitkin’s Origins?
Doron Belogolovsky, a grandson of founders of Kfar Vitkin, fell in love in Italy with Italian wine. Winemaker Assaf Paz travelled to France to learn wine-making and CEO Sharona Paz-Belogolovsky started to draw up plans. In the harvest of 2001, a small quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes served as an experimental “trial run” with everything from the harvest to the bottling being done by hand. This successful and highly-acclaimed experiment led to the acquisition of advanced wine-making equipment and the work started in earnest. Tours of wineries in France and Italy helped Sharona prepare the renovation plans for the old cowshed which had been built by Doron’s grandparents and turned it into the winery’s first location. Vitkin Winery had started its journey.
What is Vitkin Wines most known for?
Utilizing Mediterranean varieties that are ideal for Israel’s warm climate, and blending love for the land, a boutique winery approach, and years of experience to create beautiful wines.
Most Popular Wines from Vitkin Wines:
A red blend of Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. With a fruity nose and showing Mediterranean herbal notes, a medium body and good acidity and tannins. Produced to drink now and over the next few years.
100% Pinot Noir, aged 10 months in 20% new French oak. Nose of ripe red berries and earth. Medium-bodied and needs a few hours in the decanter to really shine.
Blended with grapes grown throughout the Land -truly a journey across Israel- the Vitkin Israel Journey White is a dry wine with wonderful aromatics and zippy acid.
Get help from an expert like Brad
