Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon

Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel's Upper Galilee, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2023 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and ranked #27 on their Top 100 Best Buys of 2025 — a significant distinction for an Israeli red competing on the global stage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Upper Galilee, Israel  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Recanati

Production & Heritage

Recanati Winery operates a state-of-the-art facility in Merom Ha'Galil within the Upper Galilee, sourcing fruit from some of the region's finest high-altitude vineyards — a microclimate often compared to California's Napa Valley for its warm days and cool nights. Grapes are hand-harvested from late September through mid-October, with the must chilled to 60°F immediately after crushing before entering fermentation vats. Chief winemaker Kobi Arviv guides the production, drawing on a philosophy that blends ancient techniques with modern technology. Recanati has been the only Israeli winery regularly invited to Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience for nearly a decade, placing it among the world's top 250 producers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe black currant and brambleberry, layered with a delicate smokiness and hints of warm spice. Deeper in the glass, nuances of truffle, toasted walnut, and dried field grass emerge.

Taste: The entry is generous with dark plum and blackberry fruit, supported by a savory mid-palate of olive paste, Mediterranean herbs, and a thin herbal underlayer. At its peak, flavors of black cherry and anisette weave through grippy, structured tannins that frame the wine's full body.

Finish: Medium-to-long, with lingering notes of cigar leaf, black olive, and earthy spice. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a savory impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Recanati Cabernet

This Upper Galilee Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 minutes of decanting to open up its aromatic complexity. It is equally rewarding served neat in a large-bowled glass. For cocktail applications: a Cabernet Cobbler highlights the wine's dark fruit with citrus and sugar; a New York Sour uses the wine as a float to complement its smoky depth; and a classic Sangria benefits from the concentrated berry and herbal character.

Best For

• Shabbat and holiday dinners featuring grilled lamb or braised short ribs
• Gifting a wine lover who wants to explore Israeli winemaking beyond the expected regions
• Building a cellar collection with age-worthy, value-driven Cabernet Sauvignon
• Hosting a blind tasting comparing New World and Mediterranean-climate Cabernets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Recanati Cabernet taste like? It is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon dominated by ripe blackberry, black currant, and plum flavors, accented by savory notes of olive, Mediterranean herbs, and a delicate smokiness. Grippy tannins and an earthy finish give it structure and complexity.

How does Recanati Cabernet compare to Golan Heights Hermon Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are flagship Israeli Cabernets from high-altitude vineyards, but Recanati tends toward a more savory, herb-driven profile with pronounced earthy notes, while Golan Heights Hermon typically leans fruitier and lighter in body. Recanati's 91-point Wine Enthusiast rating and Top 100 Best Buy ranking for its 2023 vintage position it as a strong value contender in the category.

Is Recanati Cabernet good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its layered aromatics, structured tannins, and complex savory finish reward careful attention, especially with a brief decant. It is an excellent choice for drinkers who enjoy full-bodied reds with Mediterranean character.

Where is Recanati Cabernet made? Recanati Winery is located in Merom Ha'Galil in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel. The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards in the Upper Galilee, an area known for its cool nights and extended growing season.

What foods pair well with Recanati Cabernet? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and smoky undertones. Braised beef short ribs echo its dark fruit richness. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Pecorino match the savory tannin structure. Roasted eggplant with tahini bridges the Mediterranean herb notes. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors the wine's earthy depth.

What sizes does Recanati Cabernet come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Recanati Cabernet worth the price? Recanati Cabernet positions firmly in the value-driven tier of quality Cabernet Sauvignon, reinforced by its Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys ranking. For a wine consistently earning 90+ point scores from major critics, it delivers well above its price class.

Why Recanati Cabernet?

Ranking #27 on Wine Enthusiast's 2025 Top 100 Best Buys is not a courtesy — it is earned against thousands of wines worldwide. Winemaker Kobi Arviv's approach of hand-harvesting at high altitude and immediate must chilling preserves a freshness that many warm-climate Cabernets lose. Year after year, Recanati earns 90+ point scores across multiple vintages, and the winery's standing invitation to Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience cements its credibility among the global elite. For anyone curious about Israel's emergence as a serious wine-producing country, this Cabernet is one of the most compelling and accessible entry points available.