LONDON, April 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a country with a hot climate, minimal rainfall and a shortage of indigenous wine grapes, setting up a vineyard in Israel doesn’t necessarily scream “success story”. Psagot Winery, however, has overcome all these challenges to rejuvenate the ancient tradition of Israeli winemaking, thereby making it a true competitor against its Mediterranean rivals.
With a location near an excavated 2,000-year-old winery, Psagot Winery’s founder Yaakov Berg was keen to reawaken the ancient status that Israel once held. But due to a lack of indigenous grapes, he had to cultivate imported French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The hard work eventually paid off, with a growing customer base worldwide. This year, moreover, Psagot Winery was included in the World Finance Fine Wine Report 2018 and received the award for Best Wine Producer in Israel, 2018.
The heat was particularly testing for Berg and his team of winemakers. In hot climates, sugar levels rise rapidly, so grapes that are collected at peak ripeness result in a high alcohol wine. While an early harvest produces a moderate alcohol level, the crop is not yet ripe enough. Fortunately, Berg found a solution – Psagot Winery picks crops multiple times a year in smaller batches in order to produce a balanced, elegant red wine.
Given that local consumers rarely drink the produce, and mainly use it for sacramental purposes instead, 65 percent of Psagot’s wine is exported. Now an established international player, Psagot Winery is focusing on its long-term plans of expanding its portfolio to include white wine and sparkling wine.
To find out more about Psagot Winery’s story, check out an exclusive article by Ya’acov Oryah, winemaker at Psagot Winery, in the latest edition of World Finance magazine, available in print, on tablet and online now:
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CONTACT INFORMATION
World News Media
Elizabeth Matsangou
Editorial Department
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Psagot Winery
Eli Sales
eli@psagotwines.com