Domaine du Castel

Domaine du Castel is a winery located in the Judean Hills of Israel. It is renowned for producing high-quality wines that have gained international recognition. The winery was established in 1988 by Eli Ben Zaken, who is considered a pioneer in the Israeli wine industry.

History

The history of Domaine du Castel dates back to 1988 when Eli Ben Zaken planted his first vineyards in the Judean Hills. The region's unique terroir and climate conditions proved to be ideal for growing grapes. The first commercial vintage was released in 1992, and since then, the winery has grown in both size and reputation.

Vineyards

Domaine du Castel's vineyards are situated at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, which provides a cooler climate that is beneficial for grape growing. The soil composition in the region includes a mix of limestone and clay, which contributes to the complexity and character of the wines.

Wines

The winery produces several types of wines, including:

• Grand Vin - A Bordeaux-style blend that is the flagship wine of Domaine du Castel.
• Petit Castel - A second wine that is also a Bordeaux-style blend but with a different composition.
• C Blanc du Castel - A Chardonnay that is aged in oak barrels.
• Rosé du Castel - A rosé wine made from a blend of red grape varieties.

Winemaking Process

The winemaking process at Domaine du Castel involves traditional methods combined with modern technology. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the best quality fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wines are aged in French oak barrels to enhance their flavor and complexity.

Recognition

Domaine du Castel has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. The wines are highly regarded by critics and have been featured in prestigious wine publications. The winery's commitment to quality and excellence has made it a leading name in the Israeli wine industry.

See also

• Israeli wine
• Judean Hills
• Wine
• Vineyard
• Chardonnay
• Bordeaux wine