Recanati Sauvignon Blanc

Recanati Sauvignon Blanc is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc white wine from Israel's Upper Galilee, bottled at approximately 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Recanati Winery remains the only Israeli producer consistently invited to Wine Spectator's prestigious New York Wine Experience, placing it among the world's top 250 wineries.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Upper Galilee, Israel  |  Style: Varietal Sauvignon Blanc  |  Winery: Recanati (est. 2000)

Production & Heritage

Recanati Winery was founded in 2000 by Lenny Recanati and Uri Shaked with the goal of producing world-class wines from Israel's most promising high-altitude vineyard sites. Under winemaker Kobi Arviv, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, immediately crushed and chilled, then given a brief period of skin contact before pressing. Fermentation takes place entirely in stainless steel, preserving the grape's natural aromatics and bright acidity — a deliberate choice that keeps the fruit expression clean and forward.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with citrus and kiwi accents, followed by distinctive fresh hay and green bell pepper — hallmark Sauvignon Blanc characteristics. Riper guava and pear notes emerge with a few minutes of air.

Taste: The entry is crisp and direct, with pineapple, lychee, and citrus flavors taking center stage on the mid-palate. A surprisingly full body develops, carrying tropical fruit notes of guava and banana alongside a lively acidity that keeps the wine balanced. The warm days and cool nights of the Upper Galilee create fruit with enough concentration to deliver richness without losing freshness.

Finish: Medium in length with clean citrus and a lingering herbaceous quality. The stainless-steel approach ensures the finish stays bright and refreshing rather than heavy.

How to Drink Recanati Sauvignon Blanc

This wine is best served well chilled, around 45–50°F (7–10°C), to highlight its tropical aromatics and crisp acidity. It works beautifully as a straightforward pour — no decanting necessary. For cocktail-curious drinkers, consider a White Wine Spritzer, where the citrus-forward profile pairs naturally with sparkling water and a twist of lime; a Hugo Spritz, in which the wine's herbaceous notes complement elderflower liqueur and fresh mint; or a Sangria Blanca, where the guava and tropical fruit notes anchor a bowl of fresh-cut stone fruit and citrus.

Best For

• Warm-weather entertaining alongside Mediterranean appetizers
• Introducing friends to the quality of modern Israeli winemaking
• Pairing with a summer seafood dinner
• Bringing a distinctive, conversation-starting bottle to a wine night

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Recanati Sauvignon Blanc taste like? It delivers a citrus-driven profile with pineapple, lychee, and guava supported by herbaceous notes of fresh hay and bell pepper. The wine is full-bodied for a Sauvignon Blanc, with lively acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

How does Recanati Sauvignon Blanc compare to Yarden Sauvignon Blanc? Both are premium Israeli Sauvignon Blancs sourced from high-altitude northern vineyards, but Yarden sources exclusively from the Golan Heights and typically bottled at 13.5% ABV. Recanati draws from Upper Galilee vineyards and tends toward a slightly more tropical, full-bodied style, while Yarden often leans more mineral and restrained.

Is Recanati Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — it was designed as a food-friendly white but stands well on its own as a chilled aperitif. Its balance of tropical fruit richness and bright acidity makes it an easy, satisfying glass without any accompaniment.

Where is Recanati Sauvignon Blanc made? Recanati Winery is based in Israel and sources its Sauvignon Blanc grapes from high-altitude vineyards in the Upper Galilee region. The Mediterranean climate there — with warm days and markedly cool nights — along with chalky, gravelly soils creates conditions well suited to aromatic white varieties.

What foods pair well with Recanati Sauvignon Blanc? Grilled whole branzino or sea bass, where the citrus acidity cuts through the richness of the fish. Fresh goat cheese salads, as the herbaceous quality in the wine echoes green herbs in the dish. Sushi and sashimi, particularly yellowtail or fluke, where the wine's crispness cleanses the palate. Hummus and falafel platters benefit from the tropical fruit sweetness balancing the tahini. Thai green papaya salad works well, as the wine's lychee and pineapple notes complement Southeast Asian aromatics.

What sizes does Recanati Sauvignon Blanc come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format.

Is Recanati Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? Recanati Sauvignon Blanc positions as an accessible, entry-level expression within the winery's portfolio, making it a strong value among premium Israeli whites. Given the hand-harvesting and the winery's consistent critical recognition, it delivers quality that punches above its price tier.

Why Recanati Sauvignon Blanc?

Recanati's standing as the only Israeli winery consistently invited to Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience speaks directly to the quality standards behind every bottle, including this Sauvignon Blanc. The Upper Galilee's high-altitude terroir — chalky-gravelly soils, significant diurnal temperature swings, and limited rainfall — gives the fruit a concentration and aromatic intensity that many New World Sauvignon Blancs struggle to match without oak intervention. Winemaker Kobi Arviv's decision to use stainless steel exclusively and allow only brief skin contact results in a wine that is honest to its varietal character. For anyone looking beyond the usual Marlborough or Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs, this bottle represents one of the most compelling expressions coming out of the eastern Mediterranean.