Welcome to another tantalizing episode of "Paired", where today, I'm taking you on a journey to the heart of Israel, a land that not only brought us the alphabet but also, thankfully, lamb shawarma. And what better to pair with this Middle Eastern delicacy than a wine from its own soil? Enter the Cabernet Franc from Ella Valley Wines, hailing from the scenic Kidron, Israel.

Ella Valley's Cabernet Franc: A Symphony in a Bottle

Before we dive into the shawarma, let's chat about this wine. It's 100% Cabernet Franc, a grape that's like the middle child of the wine family – often overlooked but surprisingly delightful. The wine greets you with a compressed nose, a coy start, hinting at menthol, pepper, and cherry. It's like the opening act to an amazing concert, setting the stage for what's to come.

Taste-wise, it's as complex as your high school relationship status. Medium and rough in body, it's rich in red fruit, clove, and spices. The tannins are there, but they're restrained, like a well-behaved child in a fancy restaurant. This wine leads you to a long finish, where you'll encounter herbaceous and earthy flavors – a nod to its terroir. It's like a hike through a spice bazaar, each sip revealing a new layer.

The Storied Past of Ella Valley Winery

As we savor the flavors of Ella Valley's Cabernet Franc, let's take a moment to appreciate the rich history of the vineyard where it was born. Nestled in the Elah Valley, an area immortalized by the biblical duel between David and Goliath, this region's winemaking story is almost as epic.

In ancient times, before it became famous for biblical battles, the Elah Valley was renowned for its exquisite wines. These vineyards and their age-old winemaking traditions were lost to time for centuries. However, in the early 1990s, a group of determined visionaries decided to revive this ancient tradition. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Elah Valley Winery in 1998, effectively resurrecting a thousand-year-old wine culture armed with 21st-century tools and knowledge.

The founders of the winery were driven by a singular vision: to produce exceptional wines that showcase the unique characteristics and conditions of the region. Their commitment to quality and authenticity is reflected in the winery's status as an ESTATE winery. This means that all their premium wines are produced from vineyards exclusively owned by them. They meticulously control the grape-growing process to ensure that each bottle expresses the true essence of the region's terroir.

In each glass of Ella Valley's wines, you're not just tasting the flavors of the land; you're experiencing a piece of history, brought back to life by the passion and dedication of those who believe in the timeless art of winemaking. So, as we pair this historic wine with our contemporary Israeli Lamb Shawarma, we're not just enjoying a meal; we're partaking in a legacy that spans millennia. Cheers to the timeless journey of wine!

Pairing with Israeli Lamb Shawarma: A Culinary Connection

Now, onto the star of our show - the Israeli Lamb Shawarma. This dish is as complex and layered as our wine, making them a perfect pair. Here’s how you can make your own, right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of lamb, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup of plain yogurt

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 2 tbsp of shawarma spice mix (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, clove)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil

• Pita bread

• Toppings: Tomato, cucumber, onion, tahini sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Lamb: In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, shawarma spice mix, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb slices, ensuring they're well coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Lamb: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until it's browned and cooked through. The aroma alone will transport you to a Middle Eastern market.

3. Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread. Place a generous helping of lamb on each pita, and top with tomato, cucumber, onion, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

4. The Grand Pairing: Serve your shawarma with a glass of Ella Valley's Cabernet Franc. The spicy, earthy notes of the shawarma complement the wine's red fruit and herbaceous flavors, creating a harmony that's as perfect as a symphony.

In this pairing, we see a beautiful marriage of flavors, both bold and subtle, each enhancing the other. The Cabernet Franc, with its complex personality, stands up to the rich, spiced flavors of the shawarma, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.

So, there you have it, folks. A pairing that not only tickles your taste buds but also tells a story of a land rich in history and flavor. Here's to great food, exquisite wine, and the stories they bring to our tables. Cheers!

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Paired Israel

From the high elevations and complex wines of Galilee and the Golan Heights, through the historic and robust offerings of the Coastal Plain, to the Judean Hills with their wines of depth and character, it paints a picture of diversity and innovation. The Negev Desert, with its intense, flavorful wines born from extreme conditions, and the Samson and Shomron regions, each with their own distinct profiles, further illustrate the rich tapestry of Israeli winemaking. With Paired Israel, we showcase how each region contributes to the dynamic Israeli wine landscape, combining ancient traditions with modern techniques.