Segal Levant Argaman 2020  £14.65

SEGAL LEVANT ARGAMAN

We were introduced to this winery by Alberto Antonini, who started consulting there in 2017. He arrived soon after the new head winemaker, Ido Lewinsohn, was appointed. Ido studied winemaking at the University of Milan and has worked at Sassicaia and in wineries in the Rhône and in Australia. He has developed a great relationship with Alberto and the strength of their partnership has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the quality of the wines in the past few years.

The vineyards are located on well-draining heavy clay/Terra Rossa soils on a large plain in the foothills of the Judean hills, roughly 150m above sea level. The vines are trained using the Vertical Shoot Position trellis system and grapes were machine harvested.

The growing season was relatively hot but there were very moderate temperatures during ripening. Harvest commenced on the 26th of August.

Grapes were destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks for 7 days before being racked into French oak barrels. After malolactic fermentation took place the finished wine was racked and returned to the barrels, where it was aged for 12 months.

The wine is deep ruby in colour with a purple hue. Aromas of ripe black fruits combine with a touch of oak on the nose. On the palate, this light-medium bodied, with flavours of red fruit, spice and Mediterranean herbs. It is well structured with smooth tannins and balanced acidity, with the red fruit flavours lingering on the long finish.

92 Points - Decanter

Argaman (a crossing of Sousão x Carignan) is certainly at home here. This is not a hugely complex wine, though it possesses a great deal of charm and complexity. Red and black berries vie for dominance, though ultimately it's tart black cherry that wins out. It has it all: freshness, texture, fruit charm and sufficient non-fruit intensity. Enjoy it with roast meat, barbecue or hearty vegetarian bakes.

Demetri Walters MW - Expert's Choice, Israel - March 23