Tzora Vineyards
 05.09.2010

By: Yonatan Sternberg

Established in 1993 by the late Ronnie James (kosher certified since 2002), the Tzora Vineyards winery, named after the kibbutz baring the same name, is situated in the Judean Hills wine region, on the slopes of the Samson Mountain. According to James, the quality and characteristics of the wine are derived directly from the terroir of the vineyard, putting less emphasis on the specific grape variety or the talent of the winemaker.. With production levels at approximately 80,000 bottles per annum, Tzora Vineyards continues with this approach, naming most of their wines according to the specific vineyard or plot (exceptions being the “Or” dessert wine, Misty Hills and the Judean Hills blend), rather than referring to the grape varieties used to produce the wine.

To those who aren’t familiar with this French term, the word terroir refers to the combination of the micro-climate, soil type, topography and other factors that influence the vine, grapes and consequently impact the wine as well.

Tzora currently draws grapes from three vineyards in the Judean Hills: Shoresh – growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Gewürztraminer and most recently, experimental plantings of Petite Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot, a grape variety commonly used in classic Bordeaux style blends. Other vineyards include Neve Ilan where the winery grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes and the Giv’at Hachalukim vineyard consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

In 2006, winemaker Eran Pik joined the Tzora team. After receiving his formal education at the U.C. Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, Pik went on for additional hands-on training in France, Australia and the US. While I also agree that the terroir has great impact on the final result, Pik’s talent and personal touch are also key factors reflected in the quality of Tzora’s offerings.

The winery recently launched a couple of new vinos from the 2008 and 2009 vintages: Tzora, Neve Ilan, Blanc, 2009, and the Tzora, Shoresh, 2008. The Neve Ilan is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes and aged for 9 months in both barriques as well as stainless steel vats. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation (a secondary fermentation process that creates rounder buttery aromas and flavors), resulting in a refreshing, crisp white wine showing pleasant green and yellow fruit aromas and flavors.

The Shoresh, 2008, is made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah grapes, both from the winery’s Shoresh vineyards. Full bodied, the wine suggests aromas of black berry fruits, plums, pepper and a touch of herbs. In my opinion, the wine is still quite firm and would benefit from additional cellaring. If you can still find a bottle, I also enjoyed the Shoresh, 2007. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, the wine offers layered aromas of various berry fruits, ripe plums, herbs and a touch of cloves all leading to a long finish.

By the way, once every few weeks the Tzora winery invites wine aficionados to join the vintners and winemaker, and head out for a tour of the vineyards followed by a wine tasting session and light breakfast.
For further details please contact the winery’s visitor’s center at +972.2.9908261 or via email at info@tzoravineyards.com.

L’chaim!