Next week, on the 4th and 5th (starts at 18:00, tickets NIS 59) of July, the Herzliya Marina will host the 3rd annual wine and cheese festival simply titled “White” also known as “White Wine on the Beach”.
Next week, on the 4th and 5th (starts at 18:00, tickets NIS 59) of July, the Herzliya Marina will host the 3rd annual wine and cheese festival simply titled “White” also known as “White Wine on the Beach”. The event is organized by Israel’s Wine & Gourmet Magazine, Haim Gan of Yaffo’s Grape Man and the Herzliya Municipality. Wine festivals are always a good opportunity to meet the people behind the wines and sample some of the new vinos on the market, without having to purchase each bottle.
The event features imported wines as well as wineries of varying sizes and styles from across the country including: Galilee Mountain, Teperberg, Barkan, Segal, Or Haganuz, Mond Winery, and more. In addition several artisan producers of cheese, olive oil, liqueurs, jam and other culinary and alcoholic treats.
Following are three Sauvignon Blanc Wines to look for at the festival:
Barkan, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 - very light in color, with pleasant aromas and flavors that bring to mind: green apples, lemon zest, white peaches and even a hint of passion fruit. Good balancing acidity and a refreshing finish make this a very enjoyable white wine. ~ NIS 40
Galil Mountain, Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 – a very enjoyable summer wine, light, relatively low alcohol content (%12.5), a bit ‘ripe’ but not overly sweet, with refreshing and generous notes of lemon zest, sour green apples and a variety of tropical fruit leading to a clean finish. ~ NIS 50
Teperberg, Terra, Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 – another good Sauvignon Blanc and just want one needs for these warm summer days. Light straw with golden reflections in color, good fruit on the nose and palate – lemons, grapefruit, pineapple and a touch of freshly cut grass leading to a pleasant finish. ~ NIS 50
All three wines should of course be served chilled and after opening the bottle it is recommended to use an ice bucket or simply put back in the refrigerator to maintain the temperature. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, including: raw fish dishes (e.g. ceviche, sushi), grilled fish, quiches (e.g. onion, leek), salads, cheeses, and even light and tangy chicken dishes.
While I believe that festival visitors will have a great time, it is hard not to notice the fact that some of the country’s most prominent wineries (both large and small) will not be participating. There is an ongoing discussion in the industry about the influx in the number of wine festivals and exhibitions in recent years. Some say that it is simply over kill and that the wineries do not have the time or resources to participate in all. I guess time will tell.
L’Chaim!
