Galil Mountain Merlot (75cl, 14.5%)

Galil Mountain Merlot is a kosher, non-mevushal red wine made entirely from Merlot, from Israel's Upper Galilee. Galil Mountain Winery was established in 2000 as a joint venture between Golan Heights Winery and Kibbutz Yiron. The Merlot comes from sustainably farmed high-altitude vineyards and is aged for six months in stainless steel. It is certified kosher but not mevushal, so it has not undergone flash pasteurization. The nose shows ripe cranberry and dark plum, smoked meat, thyme, clove and tobacco leaf. The palate is juicy and fruit-driven, with pomegranate, cherry, blueberry and wild berry, clove, anise and savory herbs, glossy gentle tannins and balancing acidity. The finish carries orange zest, smooth tannins and a clean, mellow close. Serve at 60–65°F with no extended decanting. Good for sangria, a spritzer or Kalimotxo.