Recanati Merlot

Recanati Merlot is a 100% Merlot red wine from Israel's Upper Galilee region, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from high-elevation vineyards in northern Israel, this expression earned 89 points from Wine Enthusiast (2012 vintage) and a Silver medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition (2020 vintage), establishing it as one of the more recognized Israeli Merlots on the international stage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Upper Galilee, Israel  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Producer: Recanati Winery

Production & Heritage

Recanati Winery draws its fruit from vineyards planted in the hills of the Upper Galilee and Jerusalem corridor, where soil composition ranges from deep red alluvial loam to porous marl — conditions that encourage intensely fruity grape development. The winery employs a proprietary "fertigation" system, Israeli-developed software that integrates climatic data with real-time measurements of soil moisture, leaf evaporation, shoot growth, and berry development to deliver precise water and nutrient amounts to each vine. After harvest, the Merlot undergoes cold maceration prior to fermentation to maximize color and fruit extraction, followed by eight months of aging in a combination of French and American oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh strawberry and pomegranate, moving into deeper tones of violet and Mediterranean spice. A subtle thread of gentle oak sits beneath the fruit, adding complexity without dominating.

Taste: The entry is bright and fruit-driven, with cherry preserves and blueberry pie flavors leading into a mid-palate of roasted coffee bean, thyme, and dark chocolate-covered espresso. The body is medium-full with balanced acidity and soft, lush tannins that coat the tongue without astringency.

Finish: The tannins slowly recede to reveal a distinctive, slightly salty note — an unexpected savory signature. Flavors of eucalyptus and butterscotch linger through a pleasantly enduring close.

How to Drink Recanati Merlot

This Merlot is best enjoyed at 60–65°F, either on its own or with a brief 15–20 minute decant to open up its aromatic layers. It also performs well in wine-based cocktails and mixed drinks: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the fruit-forward profile holds up against the sweetness; a classic Red Wine Spritzer, where soda water lifts its berry and floral notes into a refreshing warm-weather drink; and a Sangria, where its cherry and plum character blends naturally with citrus and stone fruit additions.

Best For

• Introducing someone to high-quality Israeli wines
• Weeknight dinner pairings with grilled meats or pasta
• Kosher wine selections that prioritize flavor over certification alone
• Building a collection of New World Merlots from unconventional regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Recanati Merlot taste like? It is a fruit-forward, medium-full bodied red wine dominated by cherry, blueberry, and plum flavors, layered with roasted coffee, chocolate, and thyme, finishing with a distinctive touch of salinity.

How does Recanati Merlot compare to Yarden Merlot? Both are leading Israeli Merlots from the Galilee region, but Recanati leans into softer tannins and brighter fruit, while Yarden typically emphasizes more structured, age-worthy profiles with longer oak aging. Recanati's eight months in mixed French and American oak produces a rounder, more immediately approachable wine.

Is Recanati Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and balanced acidity make it an accessible entry point for those new to red wine or exploring Israeli wines for the first time.

Where is Recanati Merlot made? Recanati Merlot is produced by Recanati Winery in Israel, using grapes sourced from vineyards in the Upper Galilee and the hills surrounding Jerusalem. These high-elevation sites provide the cool nights and diverse soils that shape the wine's character.

What foods pair well with Recanati Merlot? Grilled lamb chops, where the wine's fruit and soft tannins complement the char and richness; hard aged cheeses like Manchego, which echo its savory finish; roasted eggplant with tahini, playing into the Mediterranean spice notes; mushroom risotto, matching the wine's earthy undertones; and dark chocolate desserts, which mirror its cocoa and espresso flavors.

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

Is Recanati Merlot worth the price? Recanati Merlot positions as an entry-level to mid-range expression within the Israeli wine category, delivering oak-aged complexity and critic-recognized quality that competes favorably with Merlots at similar price tiers from more established wine regions.

Why Recanati Merlot?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of international Merlots is its terroir story. The Upper Galilee's combination of high elevation, limestone-rich soils, and significant day-to-night temperature swings produces fruit with uncommon intensity and freshness — and Recanati's precision fertigation technology ensures those conditions translate consistently into the glass. The cold maceration technique pulls vivid color and primary fruit character before fermentation even begins, while dual-origin oak aging (French and American) adds layers of spice and vanilla without overwhelming the grape. For drinkers looking beyond Bordeaux and Napa for serious Merlot, Recanati makes a compelling case for Israel's Galilee as a world-class source.