Blanc du Castel (2019)

About this wine

The 2019 Blanc du Castel from Domaine du Castel is a full-bodied Chardonnay that opens with inviting aromas of citrus, pineapple, green apple, toasted bread, and fig. On the palate, it delivers a rich and buttery texture, complemented by refreshing acidity and flavors of tropical fruits and roasted almonds. This wine is crafted in a Burgundian style, undergoing fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels for about a year, which contributes to its complexity and depth. Produced in the Judean Hills near Jerusalem, the vineyards are situated at an altitude of 2,400 feet, benefiting from a unique terroir that imparts distinctive characteristics to the wine. The 2019 vintage has been recognized for its quality, receiving a 93-point rating from James Suckling.

About the grape

Chardonnay, a grape variety originating from the Burgundy region of France, has found a unique expression in Israel's Judean Hills. Domaine du Castel, established in 1988, cultivates Chardonnay at elevations around 2,400 feet, benefiting from the region's limestone-rich soils and significant day-night temperature variations. These conditions contribute to the grape's balanced acidity and complex flavor profile. The winery employs traditional Burgundian techniques, fermenting the must in French oak barrels and aging the wine on its lees for 12 months, resulting in a distinctive Chardonnay that reflects both its French heritage and the unique terroir of the Judean Hills.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Blanc du Castel is a 100% Chardonnay wine produced by Domaine du Castel, a family-owned winery in the Judean Hills near Jerusalem, Israel.
• 🏆 The winery was founded in 1988 by Eli Ben-Zaken and has gained international acclaim for its high-quality wines.
• 🪵 The 2019 vintage of Blanc du Castel was fermented and aged for 12 months on its lees in French oak barrels, contributing to its rich and buttery bouquet.
• 🍋 This wine is known for its refreshing acidity and full, round flavor, with notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and roasted almonds.
• ✡️ Blanc du Castel is kosher, making it suitable for those observing kosher dietary laws.

Palate profile

Producer

Domaine du Castel, a family-owned winery in Israel's Judean Hills, was founded in 1988 by Eli Ben Zaken, who planted the first modern vineyard in the region in his backyard in Ramat Raziel. The winery's inaugural wine, Castel Grand Vin 1992, garnered international acclaim when Serena Sutcliffe MW of Sotheby's praised it as "absolutely terrific," propelling the winery onto the global stage. In 2015, Domaine du Castel relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in Yad HaShmona, enhancing its production capabilities while maintaining its commitment to quality. Today, the winery produces approximately 100,000 bottles annually, with a focus on Bordeaux-style reds and Burgundy-style Chardonnays, and continues to be recognized for its excellence in winemaking.