The SOMM Journal

February / March 2017

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94 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 { sommcon recap } Region: Judean Hills Wine: Flam Classic White Blend Wine: Shiloh 2013 "Secret Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon Israel "Basically a desert, the Judean Hills has a cooler climate than you'd think," began Joseph Herzog of Royal Wine Corp., a family importer of kosher wines from across the globe. He's speaking of Israel's premiere growing region, almost 3,000 years old but just lately coming into its world-renowned prime. "This is supposedly where Noah planted grapes when he emerged from the Ark." Thanks largely to Royal Wine Corp., the perception of kosher wines has changed, with quality enhanced by modern technology. But the story goes further back than that; it was in the high-elevation Judean Hills (up to 2,500 feet above sea level) that drip irrigation and desalinization plants were first brought to the fore. "These innovations came out of Israeli agriculture," notes Herzog. Limestone and clay soils contribute to character, and Herzog adds that the climate is similar to California's, with dependable sunshine, afternoon breezes and cooler nights. Cool air slides down the hillsides to merge with warm air from the coastal plain, causing a fog that is rare in Israel. Flam Classic White is a crisp blend, perfumed and clean, with grape - fruit notes accenting the high acidity in this stainless steel–fermented wine. Shiloh Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, spicy, herb- hinted red with cassis and black cherry, carrying bittersweet dark choco - late on the finish. It is certified mevushal. PHOTO: MICHAEL MORSE PHOTO: MICHAEL MORSE PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN Joseph Herzog is a family co-owner of international importer Royal Wine Corp. and California-based Herzog Wine Cellars.

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