Marselan, Kerem Ben Zimra Vineyard, The Chosen Single Vineyard

The Chosen | Dry Red Wine

Ben Zimra Vineyard Marselan is characterized by aromatic richness, perfumed and floral notes, and a pronounced presence of dark fruit. On the palate, the same concentrated dark fruit takes center stage, supported by medium, chewy tannins. This wine pairs beautifully with dishes such as lamb shank with garlic and rosemary, spiced grilled kebabs, or duck confit.

Only a limited quantity of approximately 1,200 bottles was produced.

Variety

Marselan

Vintage

2023

Appellation

Kerem Ben Zimra

Marselan belongs to a group of Mediterranean-style grape varieties that have adapted well to local conditions, producing impressive and intriguing results. It is a successful cross between Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a grape that combines the best of both—fruitiness and aromatic expression from Grenache, alongside structure and firm tannins from Cabernet Sauvignon. Ben Zimra Vineyard Marselan is characterized by aromatic richness, perfumed and floral notes, and a pronounced presence of dark fruit. On the palate, the same concentrated dark fruit takes center stage, supported by medium, chewy tannins. This wine pairs beautifully with dishes such as lamb shank with garlic and rosemary, spiced grilled kebabs, or duck confit.

The Ben Zimra vineyard is located in the Upper Galilee. The parcel is situated on a mountainside slope formed as terraces and is characterized by terra rossa soil and hard limestone rock. The climate in the area is cool; during summer, nights are cool while days are warm, and the region is marked by low humidity. These conditions allow for optimal and high-quality development of flavor and aromatic compounds in the grapes over a relatively long ripening period.

The Marselan grapes were harvested in early September. Following gentle sorting at the winery, a semi-carbonic alcoholic fermentation took place for five days. The wine was then pressed and completed fermentation without skins for an additional three days. After alcoholic fermentation and a short natural settling period, the wine was transferred to maturation in new and seasoned French and American oak barrels for 14 months. At the end of aging, the final blend was assembled from the different barrels, and the wine was bottled with minimal filtration and fining.