Carmel Winery has launched a new brandy called Carmel 120 Brandy. This is a rare, exclusive expression of 2,000 bottles only, which have been produced in order to commemorate Carmel Winery’s 120th harvest. On August 3rd 1890 Carmel received its first harvest at Rishon Le Zion Wine Cellars. Now in 2010, Carmel is preparing for its 120th.

Carmel 120 Brandy was distilled , aged and bottled at Rishon Le Zion Wine Cellars.
The wine for the brandy was made mainly from Colombard grapes and a little from Muscat of Alexandria, both grown in the coastal vineyards of Mount Carmel and the Shefela. The wine was double distilled in Carmel’s pot stills and then the brandy was matured in Rishon Le Zion Cellars.

The minimum maturation period was 10 years, but there are older components in the blend. Forty percent of the brandy was aged for 15 years and further thirty five percent was aged for between 25 and 27 years.

The older components in the final brandy were aged in Limousin oak barrels, used for aging Cognac. The younger components were aged in used wine barrels. The brandy made from Muscat grapes was aged in barrels previously used for fermenting and aging Chardonnay.

Carmel 120 Brandy is dark amber with a complex aroma of dried fruits, with a hint of orange zest, nuts and spices. It is rich, long, round and velvety.

Carmel has an excellent international reputation for its brandies having won many international awards and trophies. It produces a range of brandies to suit different styles and price points.

Carmel Extra Fine, 2 year old, and Carmel 777 Brandy, 3 year old, are aperitif brandies, which are sold in supermarkets. Carmel 100 Brandy, 8 year old, is a digestif brandy for sipping after dinner, available in quality wine shops.

Carmel 120 Brandy is a rare, exclusive brandy, for collectors and connoisseurs. It is available in the Carmel Wine & Culture Wine Shop at Zichron Ya’acov Wine Cellars. It comes in its own presentation box. Cost 550 shekels a bottle.