In the Decanter World Wine Awards, Israeli Syrahs or Shiraz’s were put under the microscope and came out well. It was only a decade ago that there was no Syrah in Israel and it seemed nothing would stand in the way of Cabernet Sauvignon being regarded as the best variety for quality wines in Israel.

However, many winemakers are being converted to Mediterranean rather than Bordeaux varieties, and Syrah, or Shiraz, is becoming more prominent with Israel’s quality wineries. The results for Syrah or Shiraz at the Decanter World Wine Awards, which were very encouraging, were as follows:

Regional Trophy
Carmel Winery Kayoumi Vineyard Shiraz, Upper Galilee 2006

Silver Medal
Clos de Gat, Harel, Syrah, Judean Hills 2008
Clos de Gat Sycra, Syrah, Judean Hills 2007
Yarden Tel Phares Vineyard Syrah, Golan Heights 2006

Bronze Medal
Yarden Syrah, Golan Heights 2005

Those who believe Israel will one day become known for other, more unnusual varieties, also received encouragement. Carmel’s Appellation Carignan Old Vines 2006 and Ella Valley’s Cabernet Franc 2007 received Silver Medals – which at Decanter’s competition counts for something.

(This article appeared on Wines Israel)