Binyamina Reserve
Merlot Israel
"The smoothness and opulence of Israeli terroir: an ode to varietal elegance where the ripeness of the Eastern Mediterranean merges into a silky and deep texture."
Velvety Sophistication
The Binyamina Reserve Merlot captures the essence of a grape that, in the high-altitude vineyards of Galilee and the Judean Mountains, develops extraordinary ripeness. It is a red wine designed for those who appreciate delicacy without sacrificing complexity. Its 14 to 16 months in barrel balances vibrant fruity notes with a noble character, resulting in the most approachable and sophisticated interpretation of the winery's reserve red wines.
1. Identity Profile
- Winery: Binyamina Winery (Reserve Series)
- Origin: Upper Galilee and Judean Mountains, Israel.
- Varietal: 100% Merlot.
- Category: Reserve Red / Kosher.
- Aging: 14 to 16 months in French and American oak.
- Profile: Silky, enveloping, and harmonious.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Intense garnet red color with ruby reflections; brilliant and medium-high intensity.
Nose: Explosion of ripe red fruits (raspberry, cherry) and prune. The wood contributes subtle spices like clove and vanilla, with an undertone of Mediterranean herbs.
Palate: Round and extremely soft entry. Silky texture with polished tannins. Long finish with elegant notes of coffee and sweet spices.
3. Serving Ritual and Pairing
Temperature: Serve between 16°C and 18°C.
Pairing: Pasta with meat sauces, roasted poultry, stuffed eggplant, grilled lamb, or cheeses like Brie and Camembert.
Suggestion: A 20-minute decanting is recommended for the fruit to perfectly integrate with the woody notes.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Reserve series Merlot different from other red wines?
This Merlot stands out for its silky texture and polished tannins. Thanks to its aging for up to 16 months in barrels, it achieves a balance between the ripe red fruit from Galilee and the spicy notes of oak, resulting in a softer wine than a Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is the aging potential of this wine?
Due to its structure and winemaking method, Binyamina Reserve Merlot can evolve favorably in the bottle for the next 5 to 7 years if stored under optimal conditions.
