I had met Jacque Capsouto many, many years ago during a wine
trip to Israel. Within five minutes a friendship was formed. We both shared the
love of wine and more importantly, a passion for Israeli wine.
Jacque was the proprietor of Capsouto Freres, a French
(non-Kosher) restaurant that had the most extensive Israeli wine list in
Manhattan. I was just a very ambitious wine buyer at Gotham Wines with an
extensive Israeli wine selection. Over the years, we tasted together, argued
about wines, and hosted wine events together which featured only Israeli wines.
Often we would simply share a meal at his restaurant enjoying several wines. No
matter how the conversation would start, we would always end the discussion
with his dream to make his own wine in Israel.
In 2012 when Superstorm Sandy overtook Manhattan, including
the Capsouto Freres restaurant. Jacque decided that this was the time to
dedicate himself to his dream and plant vineyards in Israel. Capsouto Freres
never reopened after Sandy, but the Jacque Capsouto Winery was born.
Fast forward a few years, and here we are with the inaugural
vintage of Jacques Capsouto Cotes de Galilee Village Blanc 2014, Cotes de
Galilee Village Rose 2014 and Cotes de Galilee Village Rouge.
These three Kosher wines were made from French varietals, in
tribute to his childhood years in Lyon.
The wines that sparked fire in his heart are now in a bottle bearing his
name. Every time I enjoy one of the wines I
can’t help it but see Jacque’s face smiling in front of me with a big grin
stating the obvious , “YES I did it, and I did it right!”
Jacques Capsouto
Vignobles
Cotes de Galilee
Village Blanc, Cuvee Eva 2014
60% Grenahce, 19% Roussane, 14% Clairette, 7% Marsanne
This straw yellow color white will capture with hints of
pineapple, sweet vanilla, white peaches and apricot, followed by aromas of
green apple and pear. On the palate the
wine displays fresh fruit, earthy ‘chalky’ flavor intermingled with herbal
notes. It finishes clean and crisp.
Cotes de Galilee
Village Rouge, Cuvee Samuel 2014
40% Mourvedre, 31% Grenache Noir, 26% Counoise, 3% Syrah
Deep purple color, with dry plum and cassis aromas, followed
by notes of earth, leather and spices. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied,
with vibrant fresh red fruit flavors. The finish is long and mellow.
