The Merlot Basalt of the Tabor Adama series of wines is an absolute delight to lovers of pure Merlot. This red kosher wine is created from 90% Merlot and 10% large Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in volcanic soil. Our purpose was to test its potency and complexity and to discover to what extent we could push the limits of its flavors. The harvest was done in the early morning and late night hours. The grapes selected were harvested from only 6 rows of grapes that were specially treated using green treatment (thinning out the clusters of grapes in order to enhance the quality of those remaining), parching and exposure to the sun. The grapes were delivered to the winery 15 minutes after harvesting was completed. In the initial stage of the process, the grapes were fermented with their skins in stainless steel tanks of 25 degrees Centigrade for a month in order to fully capture the flavors, aromas and colors from the skins. The second stage fermentation was made over a 15 month period using French Seguine Moreau French Oak barrels that were made from the wood of two different forests, Alieh and Nebar as well as American barrels. The barrels were divided into 50% American and 50% French, most of which were new.
The kosher wine was bottled and taken down to the winery's cellar to rest until it reached the desired quality.
Winner of a gold Medal in "Eshkol Ha'Zahav" competition 2007- Israel
