Gamla Riesling

Gamla Riesling 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.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Origin: Northern Golan Heights, Israel  |  Style: Semi-Dry  |  Winery: Golan Heights Winery

Production & Heritage

Golan 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering stone fruit and a flinty mineral edge. A gentle sweetness carries through, tapering cleanly.

How to Drink Gamla Riesling

Serve 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.

• Riesling Spritz: The wine's floral aromatics and natural sweetness create a refreshing base when combined with sparkling water and a citrus twist.
• White Wine Sangria: Tropical fruit notes in the wine complement fresh-cut pineapple, pear, and a splash of elderflower liqueur.
• Classic Kir: The semi-dry profile provides a balanced canvas for a small measure of crème de cassis without becoming cloying.

Best For

• Exploring Israeli wines beyond the familiar red varietals
• Warm-weather entertaining where a chilled, aromatic white is essential
• Pairing with Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines that call for off-dry whites
• Gifting to a Riesling enthusiast looking for a unique regional expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gamla Riesling taste like? 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.

How does Gamla Riesling compare to Yarden Riesling? 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.

Is Gamla Riesling good for beginners? 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.

Where is Gamla Riesling made? 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.

What foods pair well with Gamla Riesling? 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.

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

Is Gamla Riesling worth the price? 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.

Why Gamla Riesling?

The 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.