A wine that unites the rigor of Bordeaux with the warm and sunny expression of contemporary Israel.
There are wine-growing regions that are quietly building their identity, away from the spotlight. Israel is one of them. And Recanati Jacob 2017 comes as an elegant confirmation that the Mediterranean still has stories to tell — some about balance, others about the courage to define a style of one’s own.
A new name, a mature vision
Recanati is not a winery that follows trends, but one that has anticipated them. Founded in 2000 by Lenny Recanati and Uri Shaked, the house was among the pioneers of blending Bordeaux and Mediterranean varieties, at a time when the identity of Israeli wine was still in the making.
The Cuvée Jacob, launched relatively recently, is the expression of this philosophy. A blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) from Galilee, complemented by a Carignan from the Judean hills, which brings a subtle counterpoint — more rustic, more solar, freer.
A terroir of light and contrast
The Galilee region offers ideal conditions for the slow and balanced ripening of grapes. The year 2017 was a generous one: a dry winter, followed by a warm season, which allowed the achievement of perfect maturity, without losing freshness.
The careful selection of the plots and the maturation for 20 months in large French oak barrels, followed by another 30 months of rest in the bottle, outline a wine that does not seek to impress by force, but by coherence.
Tasting: between depth and clarity
Flavor
The nose is open and expressive, dominated by ripe summer cherries and dried Mediterranean herbs. There is a discreet warmth, but also a finesse that balances the whole.
Taste
On the palate, the wine takes place ample, but controlled. Red plum and cherry liqueur bring density, while dark chocolate and thyme notes complete the profile with sophisticated accents.
Structure
Full-bodied, but supported by a lively acidity, which gives it energy and prospect of evolution. The texture is round, without roughness.
Final
Long, precise, with a saline note that closes the experience in an elegant and slightly unexpected manner.
Pairing: tradition reinterpreted
Recanati Jacob 2017 finds an ideal partner in a dish such as slow-cooked beef brisket in red wine. The texture of the meat and the intensity of the sauce harmonize with the structure of the wine, while its acidity maintains the balance of the entire experience.
A wine worth discovering
This cuvée is not only a successful example of Israeli wine, but also an invitation to look beyond the established regions.
Recanati Jacob 2017 is not trying to copy a style. He builds it. With patience, with clarity and with that Mediterranean light that does not dominate, but accompanies.
A wine that doesn’t tell you everything from the first glass — but that convinces you to come back.
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