Gamla Merlot

Gamla Merlot 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Galilee, Israel (Golan Heights)  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Winery: Golan Heights Winery

Production & Heritage

Golan 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering cherry and a gentle coffee-spice warmth. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, fruit-driven impression.

How to Drink Gamla Merlot

This 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.

Best For

• Introducing someone to quality Israeli wines
• Weeknight dinners where you want a step above everyday reds
• Bringing a conversation-starting bottle to a dinner party
• Building a comparative tasting of New World Merlots from non-traditional regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gamla Merlot taste like? 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.

How does Gamla Merlot compare to Yarden Merlot? 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.

Is Gamla Merlot good for everyday drinking? 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.

Where is Gamla Merlot made? 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.

What foods pair well with Gamla Merlot? 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.

What sizes does Gamla Merlot come in? Gamla Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Gamla Merlot worth the price? 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.

Why Gamla Merlot?

What 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.