Israel boasts a new champagne (traditional) method sparkling wine from the Golan Heights Winery – the Gamla Brut.

This sparkling Israeli wine has just appeared on the shelves – I first saw it on Sunday in Tel Aviv. The Gamla Brut N.V. is half pinot noir and half chardonnay – a common feature of champagnes from France. This Israeli sparkling wine was made in the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. The Gamla Brut has a suggested retail price of 70NIS.

Daniel Rogov just tasted the wine this week and following is his tasting note:

Golan Heights Winery, Brut, Gamla, n.v.: Made by the method champenoise, a light- to medium-bodied, light golden straw blend of 50% each Pinot |Noir and Chardonnay. A generous mousse when poured, sharp long-lasting bubbles and clean aromas and flavors, opening with citrus and apples and going on to hints of cherries. Good acidity to keep in lively, a good but not overly complex quaffing bubbly. NIS 70 (About US$ 20). Score 88. K (Tasted 7 Jul 2008)

While I’m excited about this new Brut sparkling wine, I’m disappointed that the Yarden Brut will be disappearing off the shelves (although the Gamla Brut is 20 NIS cheaper, so I shouldn’t complain too much!).