{"title":"Gamla","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"gamla-cabernet-sauvignon-750ml","title":"Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamla Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV Israeli red wine produced by the Golan Heights Winery from high-altitude volcanic vineyards. A gold medal winner at both the Citadelles du Vin (2022 vintage) and Mundus Vini (2020 vintage), this Galilee appellation Cabernet consistently punches above its weight class among New World reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Golan Heights, Galilee, Israel  |  12 Months French Oak  |  Winery: Golan Heights Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Golan Heights Winery was founded in 1983 in Katzrin, on the volcanic plateau of the Golan Heights — Israel's coldest and most acclaimed wine region. Vineyards sit between 400 and 1,200 meters above sea level, where rocky volcanic basalt soils and cool-climate conditions create an environment well suited to Bordeaux varietals. The Gamla bottling is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with small proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. While the winery's flagship range is Yarden, the Gamla line is produced with the same viticultural rigor, drawing from the same Golan Heights terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and cherry before moving into darker tones of blackberry and mulberry. Secondary layers reveal tobacco leaf, fresh garden herbs, and a subtle undercurrent of French oak and cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters with juicy plum and cherry fruit, building through a full-bodied mid-palate where herbal complexity and soft tannins develop. Cocoa and dark berry flavors concentrate toward the peak, balanced by bright acidity that prevents the wine from feeling heavy despite its generous body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pleasantly long, with a velvety texture that carries lingering notes of ripe blackberry and dried herb. The French oak influence adds a subtle spice that persists without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Gamla Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows well at cellar temperature (around 16–18°C \/ 60–65°F), poured into a large-bowled glass to let the aromatic layers open. Decanting for 20–30 minutes benefits younger vintages. For cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet-based Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e works well, as the dark fruit and herbal character hold up against citrus and brandy; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) benefits from the wine's full body and structure; and a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e uses the wine's acidity and berry depth as a dramatic float over bourbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to high-quality Israeli wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a home-grilled steak dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding an affordable collection of international Cabernets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a conversation-starting bottle to a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Gamla Cabernet taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a full-bodied profile dominated by ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and plum fruit, layered with tobacco, garden herbs, and a hint of cocoa from 12 months of French oak aging. The texture is velvety with balanced tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Gamla Cabernet compare to Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines come from the same Golan Heights Winery and share the same high-altitude volcanic terroir. Yarden is the winery's premium flagship bottling with longer oak aging and more complexity, while Gamla delivers much of the same regional character at a more accessible price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gamla Cabernet good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its full body, velvety tannins, and layered aromatics make it a satisfying wine to drink on its own, especially when served slightly below room temperature and given a short decant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Gamla Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by the Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin, located on the volcanic Golan Heights plateau in northern Israel within the Galilee (Galil) wine appellation — the country's highest and coldest winemaking region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Gamla Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and dark fruit notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda echo the oak-driven richness. Beef short ribs braised with herbs match the wine's full body. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the cocoa undertones. Eggplant-based Middle Eastern dishes like baba ganoush bridge the wine's smoky, earthy qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Gamla Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gamla Cabernet worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla positions as a mid-value expression that consistently over-delivers for its tier, with gold medals at international competitions and production standards shared with the more expensive Yarden line — making it one of the stronger values in the international Cabernet Sauvignon category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Gamla Cabernet?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this wine apart is its origin: volcanic basalt soils at elevations reaching 1,200 meters, in a region that receives snowfall — a far cry from the hot, arid conditions most people associate with Israeli agriculture. That extreme terroir, combined with the Golan Heights Winery's four decades of experience with Bordeaux varietals, gives Gamla a cool-climate structure and mineral backbone rarely found at this price. Gold medals at Citadelles du Vin and Mundus Vini confirm that international judges take notice. For anyone exploring wines beyond the usual French, American, and Australian suspects, this bottling is a compelling entry point into what the Golan Heights can produce.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gamla","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836811210921,"sku":"21952","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/gamla_cabernet_sauvignon__78031.jpg?v=1730471163"},{"product_id":"gamla-merlot-750ml","title":"Gamla Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamla Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single-varietal Israeli Merlot from Golan Heights Winery at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Sourced from hand-harvested vineyards on the volcanic basalt plateau of the Golan Heights, this wine draws its character from an elevation range of 400 to 1,200 meters above sea level — conditions rarely found in established Merlot-producing regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Galilee, Israel (Golan Heights)  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Winery: Golan Heights Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolan Heights Winery, founded in 1983 in Katzrin, pioneered modern winemaking in Israel's Golan Heights region. The Gamla line sits as the winery's approachable tier, positioned below their flagship Yarden label. Grapes for the Gamla Merlot are hand-harvested from vineyards across the central and northern Golan Heights, where volcanic basalt soils and significant diurnal temperature shifts promote slow, even ripening. After harvest, the fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal purity, then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels that add structure and subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with sweet, ripe forest berries — raspberry and cherry dominate — before layering in orange blossom and freshly grated orange peel. Deeper inhales reveal sage, black tea, and a subtle earthiness that hints at the volcanic terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is lush and juicy, with ripe berry fruit flooding the palate immediately. Mid-palate, warm spice notes and roasted coffee emerge, carried by a full body that maintains surprising freshness. Fine-grained tannins provide just enough structure to keep the richness in check without turning austere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, with lingering cherry and a gentle coffee-spice warmth. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, fruit-driven impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Gamla Merlot\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Merlot drinks well at a slight chill — around 16–18°C (61–64°F) — which tightens the fruit and keeps the body from feeling heavy. Decanting for 20–30 minutes opens up the deeper spice and floral layers. While primarily a food wine, it holds up on its own for casual sipping. For sangria, the ripe berry profile and moderate tannins create an excellent base. In a classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), the coffee and spice notes blend naturally. A red wine spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange peel plays off the wine's citrus aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to quality Israeli wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want a step above everyday reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a conversation-starting bottle to a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a comparative tasting of New World Merlots from non-traditional regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Gamla Merlot taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Merlot leads with ripe raspberry and cherry fruit, followed by warm spice, roasted coffee, and earthy undertones from the volcanic Golan Heights terroir. The body is full and juicy with fine tannins and a clean, medium-length finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Gamla Merlot compare to Yarden Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines come from the same Golan Heights Winery, but Yarden represents the premium tier with longer oak aging and more selective vineyard sourcing. Gamla Merlot is the more approachable, fruit-forward expression at a lower price point, while Yarden delivers greater complexity and aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gamla Merlot good for everyday drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its ripe fruit profile, soft tannins, and moderate complexity make it a versatile red that pairs easily with casual meals without demanding much deliberation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Gamla Merlot made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Merlot is produced by Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin, located on the Golan Heights plateau in the Galilee wine region of northern Israel. The vineyards sit at elevations of 400 to 1,200 meters on volcanic basalt soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Gamla Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's earthy spice; roasted eggplant with tahini echoes its smoky depth; aged hard cheeses like aged Gouda match its full body; slow-braised short ribs mirror the berry richness; and dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage pairs with the roasted coffee notes on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Gamla Merlot come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gamla Merlot worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Merlot positions as an entry-level expression within the Golan Heights Winery portfolio, sitting below the Yarden and Katzrin labels. It consistently delivers fruit intensity, oak integration, and regional character that punch above typical wines in its value tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Gamla Merlot?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of affordable Merlots is its origin. The Golan Heights volcanic plateau — with basalt soils, high-altitude vineyards, and dramatic temperature swings — produces fruit with a concentration and mineral backbone rarely found at this price level. Golan Heights Winery essentially built Israel's modern fine wine industry starting in 1983, and Gamla remains the gateway to understanding what the region can achieve. The combination of hand-harvested fruit, stainless steel fermentation for freshness, and 12 months in French oak for structure results in a Merlot that is neither simple nor overwrought — it sits squarely in the space where everyday drinkability meets genuine terroir expression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gamla","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836811243689,"sku":"21953","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/gamla_merlot__42454.jpg?v=1730471166"},{"product_id":"gamla-riesling-750ml","title":"Gamla Riesling","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamla Riesling\u003c\/strong\u003e is a semi-dry, medium-bodied Israeli white wine made from 100% Riesling grapes grown in the Northern Golan Heights (750ml). Produced by the respected Golan Heights Winery, this expression highlights the cool-climate character of one of Israel's most distinctive winegrowing regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Origin: Northern Golan Heights, Israel  |  Style: Semi-Dry  |  Winery: Golan Heights Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolan Heights Winery, founded in 1983, is widely credited with modernizing Israeli winemaking. The winery sits on the volcanic plateau of the Golan Heights, where high-altitude vineyards benefit from cool nights and basalt-rich soils. Gamla Riesling undergoes a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks using pneumatic membrane presses and must chillers — a deliberate approach that preserves the grape's aromatic intensity and natural acidity. Gamla sits as the winery's mid-tier range, positioned between the entry-level Golan label and the flagship Yarden line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with elegant floral blossom and citrus before giving way to a hint of honey. There is a perfumed, slightly sweet quality that draws you in without being heavy-handed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, mild citrus and tropical fruit — think pineapple and Asian pear — arrive at the entry and build toward a layered mid-palate of spice and flint. The wine is fresh and flavorful with enough residual sweetness to balance its natural acidity, creating a sense of complexity without weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is medium-long with lingering stone fruit and a flinty mineral edge. A gentle sweetness carries through, tapering cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Gamla Riesling\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe well chilled, around 8–10°C (46–50°F), in a standard white wine glass to concentrate the aromatic profile. This Riesling is at its best enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or alongside food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRiesling Spritz:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine's floral aromatics and natural sweetness create a refreshing base when combined with sparkling water and a citrus twist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical fruit notes in the wine complement fresh-cut pineapple, pear, and a splash of elderflower liqueur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Kir:\u003c\/strong\u003e The semi-dry profile provides a balanced canvas for a small measure of crème de cassis without becoming cloying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Israeli wines beyond the familiar red varietals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather entertaining where a chilled, aromatic white is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines that call for off-dry whites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a Riesling enthusiast looking for a unique regional expression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Gamla Riesling taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Riesling delivers fresh citrus and tropical fruit — particularly pineapple and Asian pear — layered with floral notes, spice, and a flinty mineral quality. It is a semi-dry, medium-bodied wine with balanced acidity and a medium-long finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Gamla Riesling compare to Yarden Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are produced by Golan Heights Winery from Golan Heights-grown Riesling, but Yarden represents the winery's flagship tier and typically commands a higher price with greater complexity and aging potential. Gamla Riesling sits at the winery's mid-tier level, offering approachable varietal character at a more accessible price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gamla Riesling good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its semi-dry style, fresh fruit flavors, and moderate body make it an inviting entry point for those new to Riesling or Israeli wines in general. The gentle sweetness balances the acidity in a way that feels approachable rather than austere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Gamla Riesling made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Riesling is produced by Golan Heights Winery, located on the Golan Heights plateau in northeastern Israel. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the cooler Northern Golan Heights, where volcanic soils and high elevation create conditions well-suited to aromatic white varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Gamla Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e Thai green curry works well, as the wine's residual sweetness tempers chili heat. Sushi and sashimi complement the clean acidity. Roasted chicken with herbs matches the wine's medium body. Soft cheeses like brie echo the honeyed notes on the nose. Middle Eastern mezze — hummus, tabbouleh, grilled halloumi — pairs naturally given the wine's regional roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Gamla Riesling come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Riesling is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gamla Riesling worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gamla Riesling positions as a mid-tier expression within the Golan Heights Winery portfolio, sitting above the entry-level Golan range but below the premium Yarden label. It represents solid value for a well-made, cool-climate Riesling with genuine varietal character and regional distinctiveness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Gamla Riesling?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Northern Golan Heights is one of the few regions in Israel with the elevation and cool nighttime temperatures to produce genuinely aromatic Riesling, and Golan Heights Winery has been demonstrating that potential since 1983. Gamla Riesling translates that terroir into a wine that faithfully expresses varietal character — floral, fruity, mineral, balanced — without relying on excessive sweetness or oak influence. The slow, controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a deliberate choice that keeps the focus squarely on the fruit and the vineyard. For anyone looking to experience what Israeli Riesling can deliver at a mid-tier price, Gamla is a credible and distinctive option.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gamla","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836811276457,"sku":"15719","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/gamla_riesling__76415.jpg?v=1730471170"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/gamla.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}