Dalton Estate Merlot (OU Kosher) 2018
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The wine is viscous and dark purple, it is showing classic varietal qualities of plums, cherries, cloves and homemade jam, balanced by subtle shades of vanilla from the barrel.
A good Merlot such as this can be drunk with lasagna, casseroles (meat or vegetarian), grilled meats and barbecued steaks or chicken.
This wine is Kosher for Passover
Dalton is about savoring life's moments. Making the most of time spent with friends and family. Dalton lets you turn routine into ritual…simple into special. They invite you to enjoy their wines in each of these moments, and add pleasure to everyday life.
Dalton wines are made of high-quality grapes meticulously grown and harvested from their own vineyards planted in the Galilee region. The winegrowing process is led by their team, which includes winemaker Guy Eshel, viticulturist Nahum Nave and their proprietor, Alex Haruni. Assisted by international wine and viticulture consultants, they continuously strive towards maintaining a sustainable approach and bringing forth an authentic Dalton spirit.
They produce four series of wines, each with its distinct sources of inspiration, flavors, characteristics and market positions. Offering unique and diverse experiences for a wide range of target audiences, their wines embody the Dalton essence, signature winemaking style and regional influences, while maintaining a distinct level of individuality.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
With a rich history of wine production dating back to biblical times, Israel is a part of the cradle of wine civilization. Here, wine was commonly used for religious ceremonies as well as for general consumption. During Roman times, it was a popular export, but during Islamic rule around 1300, production was virtually extinguished. The modern era of Israeli winemaking began in the late 19th century with help from Bordeaux’s Rothschild family. Accordingly, most grapes grown in Israel today are made from native French varieties. Indigenous varieties are all but extinct, though oenologists have made recent attempts to rediscover ancient varieties such as Marawi for commercial wine production.
In Israel’s Mediterranean climate, humidity and drought can be problematic, concentrating much of the country’s grape growing in the north near Galilee, Samaria near the coast and at higher elevations in the east. The most successful red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, while the best whites are made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Many, though by no means all, Israeli wines are certified Kosher.