Recanati Wild Carignan Reserve 2016

Recanati Wild Carignan Reserve 2016 is a 100% Carignan red wine from Israel's Judean Hills, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, 91 points from Wine Advocate, and 90 points from Wine Spectator — a remarkable sweep of critical recognition for an Israeli single-varietal red drawn from dry-farmed hillside vines.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Judean Hills, Israel  |  Vintage: 2016  |  Winery: Recanati Winery

Production & Heritage

Recanati Winery has become one of Israel's most respected producers, focusing on varieties that thrive in the country's Mediterranean-influenced terroir. The Wild Carignan Reserve is sourced from dry-farmed vines on the slopes of the Judean Hills, where the roots must drive deep underground in a constant search for water — a stress that concentrates flavor and intensifies character. The wine was aged for ten months in 50% new French oak barrels, lending structure and subtle spice without overwhelming the fruit. The "Wild" designation speaks to the untamed, expressive nature of these hillside Carignan vines.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with cassis and roasted fennel bulb, layered with cranberry, raspberry, and bramble. Raisin and dried fruit undertones add depth as the wine breathes in the glass.

Taste: On the palate, dark plum and black currant arrive first, joined by vanilla bean and anise at mid-palate. The texture transitions from silk to velvet, giving the wine a sensual, enveloping quality. Raspberry fruit is supported by firm acidity, and there is considerable tannic grip throughout.

Finish: The finish is medium-plus in length, finishing notably dry with lingering violet and dark fruit. Velvety tannins recede gradually, leaving a soft, floral-scented close.

How to Drink Wild Carignan Reserve

This wine benefits from 30 minutes of decanting and drinks best at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F. It is a wine built for the table, not the cocktail shaker — serve it alongside food to let the tannins and acidity find their natural counterpoint. For lighter, warm-weather service, a slight chill of 10 minutes in the refrigerator can sharpen the acidity and fruit expression without muting the oak influence.

Best For

• Introducing a wine enthusiast to the depth of Israeli winemaking
• Pairing with a slow-braised lamb shank or grilled red meats
• Adding a critically acclaimed Israeli red to a curated cellar
• Hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wild Carignan Reserve taste like? It delivers dark plum, black currant, vanilla bean, and anise wrapped in velvety tannins, with raspberry acidity and a dry, violet-scented finish. The texture ranges from silky to plush, making it a richly layered wine with substantial grip.

How does Wild Carignan Reserve compare to a Côtes du Rhône blend? Both share a Southern French / Mediterranean warmth and dark-fruit intensity, but the Recanati is a single-varietal expression with more concentrated tannin structure from its dry-farmed hillside vines. A typical Côtes du Rhône blend tends to be softer and more approachable on release, while this Reserve rewards decanting and cellaring.

Is Wild Carignan Reserve good for sipping on its own? Yes, though it benefits from decanting due to its substantial tannins and acidity. Thirty minutes of air allows the silk-to-velvet texture and aromatic complexity — cassis, fennel, bramble — to fully unfold.

Where is Wild Carignan Reserve made? It is produced by Recanati Winery in the Judean Hills of Israel, a region characterized by rocky limestone slopes and a warm Mediterranean climate that forces dry-farmed vine roots to reach deep for water.

What foods pair well with Wild Carignan Reserve? Braised lamb shanks complement its tannic structure and anise notes. Grilled merguez sausage mirrors the wine's Mediterranean spice. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego echo its dry finish. Roasted eggplant with tahini balances the wine's acidity. Dark chocolate with sea salt highlights its plum and vanilla tones.

What sizes does Wild Carignan Reserve come in? The Recanati Wild Carignan Reserve 2016 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Wild Carignan Reserve worth the price? With 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and 91 from Wine Advocate, this wine positions as a premium-tier Israeli red that competes favorably with similarly priced Southern French and Spanish Carignan bottlings. For a critically acclaimed single-varietal Reserve from dry-farmed vines, it represents strong value in its category.

Why Wild Carignan Reserve?

Few wines demonstrate Carignan's potential as convincingly as this Judean Hills bottling. The dry-farmed hillside vines force low yields and deep root penetration, producing concentrated fruit that ten months in 50% new French oak channels into a polished, structured wine. Triple recognition from Wine Enthusiast (92), Wine Advocate (91), and Wine Spectator (90) confirms that the 2016 vintage is among the strongest expressions Recanati has released under this label. For anyone exploring Israeli wine beyond the expected Cabernet and Merlot bottlings, this single-varietal Carignan makes a compelling case for the country's range and ambition.