Homemade wine fair

Last Friday I had the opportunity to visit the homemade wine fair held in Tal–Shahar.
There were some 30 winemakers showing their wines.
Most of them produced a single barrel (300-400 bottles) and a handful how made 2 barrels.

To my surprise I found that most of the wines I tasted were good enough for everyday drinking, and some I would even buy for a nice diner.
I believe it’s safe to say that the wines in the fair were not for cellarring, however, for the price they requested (most of them 12-15$) it was definitely a good purchase.

Anther interesting thing was the blends. Since all of the winemakers do this as a hobby they can afford to experiment with blends you don’t get to see from commercial wineries.

Eventually I picked 3 wines which I plan to try, and when I do you should expect a post.
These are the wines I took:

• Odem Shani – Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
• Tuval – Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
• Anava – Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Aprils Wines

These are the wines I tried during April

Hardys – Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
This is what you call a simple yet elegant cheep wine that will work with almost anything.
Very complementing on the pallet and very inviting on the nose.
This wine is ready for drinking, and I recommend it for your nightly cup.

Yatir – M.S.C 2005
With no doubt one of my top favorite Israeli wines.
This wine is intense both on the nose and the pallet, and it truly
represents each of the grapes composing it.

This wine will accompany nicely any “full of spices” dish.
It can be cellared easily for a few more years and will surely be grateful to those with patience.

Tzora – Judean Hills
Nice but no more.
Something about this wine was holding the fruitish flavors from showing their character.
At its price scale I have tasted many wines which gave more, even within the Tzora winery.
This wine can accompany a spontaneous pizza.

Giacosa Fratelli Barolo Bussia 2002

Out of Giacosa Fratelli in the Piamonte region comes this Barolo.
The Barolo which is considered the regions indisputable king has a D.O.C.G rating.

This ruby colored wine, I found to be harmonious on the nose and pallet.
As far as cellaring goes, this one can be put to rest for a few more years, but does eager to try it now will not be disappointed, as it is ready for drinking.

I would recommend this one for non spicy meat dishes.

NG

Whenever I crave for meat, NG is the place I visit.
At the southern neighborhood of Neve–Tzedek (Tel Aviv), you will find a small restaurant.
In an old 1920s house converted to a restaurant with a European look & feel.

NG’s chef, unlike many other chefs, decided to keep it simple and put focus on quality.
The menu shows only few options, however, each and every one of them is excellent.

So, now to my favorite part of the deal – The Meat.
2 of my most favorite cuts are the 800gr Rib Eye, and the Porter cut which can be of several different sizes and would usually be a smart choice for a group of people.

The meat will arrive on a thick hot skillet with a tiny flag. On one side of this flag you find the level of cocking, on the other you will see a cartoon portrait of a lady, the same lady by which this restaurant was named after – Norma Jean Baker.

Without the use of strength the cut will yelled to the knife showing the red steaming meat, already you feel your mouth watering. From here on you carnivores should expect nothing but true pleasure, as the juicy slices of meat fill your mouth with gorgeous flavors.
The cuts are accompanied by green () mix, made in olive oil and garlic, and you will also enjoy a mix of mashed potato & sweet potato.

One other great thing about NG is their wine of the month, which always turns out as a great choice.
It’s worth mentioning that both the starters and desserts are truly excellent.

For those of you how did not yet visit NG, I truly recommend it. And for those how did, well I guess you don’t need convincing.