Domaine du Castel is one of Israel’s most prestigious wineries, invariably on most short lists in the “best winery of Israel” debate. Founded in 1988, it produced its first wine only in 1992. It is a little bigger than some of the micro boutiques, but still produces only around 8,300 cases a year. There is a French sensibility on the labels, from the winery’s name, to the identification of the appellation (Judean Hills, near Jerusalem) as Haute Judee. This is not surprising, perhaps, given that Castel is a family run business, and son Ariel trained in Burgundy and then worked at Domaine Emile Voarick.
100% Chardonnay. Domaine du Castel is an Estate West of Jerusalem at an altitude of 2400 feet. The vineyards are planted at a density of 6700 vines per hectare and produce very small yields. The grapes were handpicked and the must was barrel fermented and aged 12 months on its lees in French oak.