Recanati Syrah

Recanati Syrah is a 100% Syrah wine from Israel's Upper Galilee region, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, underscoring its standing as one of Israel's most compelling cool-climate Syrah expressions.

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

Production & Heritage

Recanati Winery is one of Israel's most recognized producers, with vineyards planted across the Upper Galilee — a high-altitude region known for its cooler temperatures and well-drained soils. Grapes for this Syrah are harvested in the early morning hours and transported immediately to the winery, where they are destemmed without crushing. This technique allows a portion of whole berries to undergo fermentation, which significantly enhances the wine's fruit intensity. Primary fermentation lasts seven to ten days before the wine is transferred to French oak barrels for aging, adding structure and subtle spice complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark plums and violets open the nose, followed by waves of lavender and black pepper — hallmark Syrah aromatics. A gentle oak undertone emerges as the wine breathes, adding warmth without dominating the fruit.

Taste: The entry is smooth, with cranberry and pomegranate giving way to ripe cherry and layers of Mediterranean herbs at mid-palate. Black cherry, raspberry, and cassis build in intensity, supported by traces of mocha, nutmeg, and spice. Silky tannins hold the structure together without astringency.

Finish: Medium to long, with a lingering note of orange zest that adds unexpected brightness. Tobacco and black pepper return gently, giving the wine a savory close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Recanati Syrah

This wine shows well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from 20 to 30 minutes of breathing in the glass before the first pour. Decanting opens up the violet and spice aromatics further. For cocktail-adjacent serves: a Kalimotxo works for casual gatherings, where the wine's dark fruit balances cola's sweetness; a red wine Sangria benefits from the pomegranate and citrus zest character already present; and a classic Mulled Wine preparation amplifies the existing nutmeg and spice layers naturally.

Best For

• Exploring Israeli wine beyond the usual Cabernet Sauvignon offerings
• Pairing with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dinner spread
• Gifting to a wine enthusiast interested in emerging regions
• Adding an unexpected selection to a Syrah-focused tasting flight

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Recanati Syrah taste like? Recanati Syrah leads with dark plum, cranberry, and pomegranate fruit, layered with Mediterranean herbs, mocha, and black pepper. Silky tannins and a finishing note of orange zest give it a smooth, balanced profile.

How does Recanati Syrah compare to Yarden Syrah? Both wines come from high-altitude Israeli vineyards and represent the country's top-tier Syrah production; Yarden sources from the volcanic soils of the Golan Heights, while Recanati draws from the Upper Galilee's cooler limestone terrain. Recanati tends toward a more fruit-forward, floral style, whereas Yarden often leans into earthier, more mineral-driven characteristics.

Is Recanati Syrah good for sipping neat? Yes — its silky tannins, moderate 13.5% ABV, and layered aromatics make it well suited for drinking on its own, especially after a brief decant to open up the violet and spice notes.

Where is Recanati Syrah made? Recanati Syrah is produced by Recanati Winery using grapes grown in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel, one of the country's premier high-altitude wine-growing areas known for its cool nights and mineral-rich soils.

What foods pair well with Recanati Syrah? Lamb kebabs or slow-roasted lamb shoulder mirror the wine's herbal and peppery character. Grilled eggplant with tahini complements its smoky, savory side. Za'atar-crusted chicken echoes the Mediterranean herb notes. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Pecorino match the wine's firm tannin structure. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage works with the mocha and plum undertones.

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

Is Recanati Syrah worth the price? Recanati Syrah positions as a mid-range expression that over-delivers for its tier, particularly given its 90-point Wine Enthusiast score and French oak aging — details typically associated with wines at higher price points in Old World Syrah categories.

Why Recanati Syrah?

What separates this wine from dozens of entry-level Syrahs is the whole-berry fermentation technique — destemming without crushing — which preserves a layer of fruit purity that many conventionally processed wines lose. The 90-point recognition from Wine Enthusiast validates what the winemaking already suggests: this is a serious Syrah from a region still surprising the broader wine world. Upper Galilee's elevation and climate produce a cooler-climate expression with genuine varietal character — violets, black pepper, dark stone fruit — rather than the jammy, over-extracted style that dominates warm-region Syrah at similar price points. For anyone building a global Syrah collection or curious about Israel's rapidly maturing wine industry, this bottle earns its place.