| Origin |
The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin in the central Golan. |
| Climate |
The Yarden Syrah is produced solely from Syrah grapes grown in vineyards on the northern and central Golan Heights. |
| Soil composition |
We commenced planting our Syrah vineyards, which range in elevation from 600 to 900 meters (about 2,000 to 3,000 feet) above sea level, in 1996. |
| Harvest |
The vintage was our coolest and wettest vintage since 1997, with 130% average annual rainfall. The chilly spring prevented excess vine growth that could have resulted from the wet soils. Harvest began about two weeks late, with a cool October resulting in over 25% of our fruit still unharvested by the end of the month. After waiting out the rains of early November, we brought in the remainder of the fruit by mid-month, literally minutes before a six-day rain system hit. The season’s cool temperatures led to average yields and very nice quality wines |
| Ageing |
The wine aged for 18 months in small French oak barrels. |