The Negev Desert, which covers over half of the country, is a surprising site of flourishing vineyards amidst a barren landscape. An oasis of greenery is found just 15 miles from the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, proffering a picturesque vineyard bursting from the rocky terrain.
Soil here is sandy loam and loess, with highlands reaching 1000 meters. Despite low rainfall and extreme temperature changes, modern agriculture techniques have been introduced in this previously desolate region for the first time in 2,000 years.
The beautiful Mitzpe Ramon is home to Nana Estate Winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques under extreme conditions. As the globe warms, the winemaking community now looks to Israel and Nana for solutions such as the use of drip irrigation with precise dosages of water. Wineries such as Nana may hold the key to the future of winemaking globally, as mainstay European vineyards are loosening restrictions on irrigation due to higher temperatures and less rainfall.
Grenache is a grape which could see more plantings in a changing climate. The variety is famous in Spain (Garnacha) from which it originates and the Southern Rhône’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As a late-ripener which thrives in hot and dry conditions, Grenache is quite suitable for the arid Negev. Following his dreams, Nana was founded by Eran “Nana” Raz in 2007.
Nana’s altitude at 800m allows Grenache to cool and retain natural acidity and grapes are hand harvested at night to maintain this acidity. The Nana Estate, Mitzpe Ramon, Grenache, 2023 was aged for 6 months in neutral French oak. In the glass, strikingly light ruby with a fresh nose of tart red berries, white blossom, cinnamon, and a touch of cedar. Brilliant bright acidity washes over the palate, balanced by fresh tart red fruit, a medium body, and soft tannins. Lovely!
As a note, this wine is excellent slightly chilled.
$45, 13.3% ABV, non-mevushal
Kosher Food and Drink 
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