Domaine du Castel

Domaine du Castel is a family-owned winery located in the Judean Hills of Israel. The winery was founded in 1992 by Eli Ben-Zaken, who was inspired by his travels in Europe to produce high-quality wines in Israel.

Domaine du Castel focuses on the production of red wines, particularly blends made from Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The winery also produces a small amount of Chardonnay.

The winery's vineyards are located at high elevations, between 700 and 900 meters above sea level. The soil is composed of limestone and clay, which provides excellent drainage and contributes to the minerality of the wines. The climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool nights, which help to develop the tannins and acidity in the grapes.

Domaine du Castel uses traditional winemaking techniques, including hand harvesting and aging the wines in French oak barrels for up to 24 months. The winery produces a range of wines, from the entry-level "C" series to the flagship Grand Vin.

The Domaine du Castel Grand Vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The wine is known for its complex aromas of black fruit, spices, and tobacco, as well as its full-bodied palate with firm tannins and a long, elegant finish. The winery also produces a Blanc du Castel, a white wine made from Chardonnay that is aged in oak barrels for 12 months, giving it a rich, creamy texture and flavors of tropical fruit and toasted nuts.

Domaine du Castel has received numerous awards and accolades for its wines, including recognition from Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. The winery is considered one of the top producers in Israel and a leader in the country's burgeoning wine industry