Recanati Marawi White

Recanati Marawi White is a 750ml, 12.0% ABV white wine made from 100% Marawi, an indigenous Israeli grape with over 3,000 years of history. Recanati Winery was the first to restore this ancient variety to commercial winemaking in the modern era, and the 2014 vintage earned 90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.0%  |  Origin: Upper Galilee, Israel  |  Varietal: 100% Marawi  |  Winery: Recanati Winery

Production & Heritage

Recanati Winery is based in Merom Ha'Galil in the Upper Galilee, one of Israel's most respected winegrowing regions. The Marawi grape had grown in the land of Israel for millennia but had never been used in a serious, commercial wine in the modern era — Recanati changed that, becoming the first winery to bottle a single-varietal Marawi. The wine is fermented and aged sur lie in one-year-old French oak barrels for six months, a technique that builds texture and complexity while preserving the grape's delicate aromatics and mineral character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pale straw in the glass, the nose opens with clean citrus — lemon-lime sorbet and grapefruit — followed by subtle thyme and floral undertones. Some vintages reveal a faint whiff of petrol and apricot, adding unexpected depth.

Taste: The entry is soft and broad, with green apple and lemon leading into mid-palate flavors of pineapple and toasted almond from the sur lie aging. A distinct minerality runs through the center, while eucalyptus and light herbal tones add layers of interest. The wine carries moderate weight despite its lower alcohol, with the French oak lending structure without dominating the fruit.

Finish: Smooth and lasting, with lingering vanilla, lemon tingle, and a mineral-driven breadth. The finish rewards patience, trailing off with citrus pith and a gentle saline quality.

How to Drink Marawi White

This wine is best served chilled at around 10–12°C (50–54°F) to let the citrus and mineral notes express themselves fully. It drinks beautifully on its own or with a meal. A Spritz variation — topped with a splash of soda and a grapefruit twist — plays to its citrus-forward profile. The toasted almond and vanilla notes make it a compelling choice in a White Sangria built with stone fruits and fresh herbs. For a straightforward pairing with cocktail culture, the wine's acidity and lemon character suit a Wine Kir made with a small measure of elderflower liqueur.

Best For

• Exploring indigenous and rare grape varieties beyond mainstream whites
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who values historical provenance and unique terroir
• Serving as a conversation-starting pour at a dinner party
• Pairing with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marawi White taste like? Recanati Marawi White delivers a citrus-driven profile of lemon, grapefruit, and green apple layered with toasted almond and distinct mineral highlights. French oak aging adds vanilla and a smooth, broad mouthfeel.

How does Marawi White compare to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? Both wines share bright citrus acidity, but where New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc typically emphasizes herbaceous, grassy notes and bouncy tropical fruit, Marawi White leans toward mineral depth, subtle petrol complexity, and a rounder texture from its sur lie aging in French oak. The Marawi grape itself brings a flavor profile that has no direct analogue in the mainstream white wine world.

Is Marawi White good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its moderate 12.0% ABV, layered aromatics, and lingering mineral finish make it a rewarding wine to enjoy on its own, well chilled, without any accompaniment.

Where is Marawi White made? Recanati Marawi White is produced at Recanati Winery in Merom Ha'Galil, situated in the Upper Galilee region of Israel. The Galilee is widely regarded as one of the country's premier winegrowing areas due to its higher elevation and cooler microclimates.

What foods pair well with Marawi White? Grilled whole fish with lemon and herbs complements its citrus and mineral backbone. Hummus and tahini-based dishes echo the wine's toasted almond notes. Fresh goat cheese salads mirror its acidity and clean finish. Chicken shawarma with pickled vegetables plays well against the wine's broad palate and subtle spice. Light seafood mezze — think ceviche or raw oysters — highlight its salinity and lemon character.

What sizes does Marawi White come in? Recanati Marawi White is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Marawi White worth the price? Positioned as a mid-range to premium Israeli white, the Marawi carries significant added value through its historical rarity — this is one of the only commercial wines in the world made from a grape variety with documented Biblical-era roots. A 90-point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate further validates its quality within the price tier.

Why Marawi White?

No other commercially available wine tells quite the same story. The Marawi grape spent roughly 3,000 years growing in Israel without ever being vinified into a serious bottling — Recanati's revival of the variety is a genuine first in modern winemaking. Beyond the narrative, the wine delivers on its own terms: a 90-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate confirms that this is not merely a novelty but a well-made, expressive white with real complexity. The sur lie aging in French oak gives it a texture and depth that set it apart from lighter Mediterranean whites, while the grape's natural minerality and citrus intensity reward anyone looking to move beyond familiar varietals.