Binyamina Carignan Reserve 2012

Growing region: Lower Galilee – Single vineyard on the lower section of Nahal Tabor (Wadi Bireh).

Growing conditions and climate: A combination of deep clay-like and terra rossa soil with varying concentrations of pebbles. The soil is well drained and provides vine roots with effective ventilation.

Climate: The ripening season consists of hot dry days with strong sun rays and cool nights, a perfect combination for optimum accumulation of grape flavors and color. The hot and dry conditions typical to the Lower Galilee make it an ideal growing region for Carignan grapes, which originated from Spain. In addition, the vineyard’s advanced age naturally controls the fertility that characterizes this grape variety and produces low-crop yields with particularly high concentrations of color, flavor and aroma substances.

Wine production: The grapes were hand-picked in the early morning hours at the beginning of September 2009. After being destemmed, the grapes were placed in two small fermentation tanks where they were cold-macerated for two days for heightened color and flavor extraction. They then underwent alcoholic fermentation for almost a week. After aging in French oak barrels for 12 months, the final wine was created by blending the wines from different barrels and bottled with minimal clarification and filtering processes.  

Tasting notes: The wine has a deep purple-garnet hue with prominent aromas of ripe plum, white pepper, vanilla and flowers. Binyamina Reserve Carignan is a full-bodied, thick, harmonious and generous wine that is ready to drink now, but will continue to develop in the bottle in the coming years. It is excellent served with baked lamb and duck dishes, flavorsome Mediterranean dishes and hard ripe cheese.

Aging Potential: 6-8 years

pH: 3.63

General acidity: 5.6 g/liter