Here in the UAE the idea that we could sit down and drink Israeli wines, with an Israeli wine ambassador as our special guest, would have seemed a fanciful impossibility only last year. Yet in late 2020 the normalization of relations by UAE and Bahrain with Israel opened up a whole new world of possibilities, cultural and commercial, and made our special Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs’ (OMGD) Israeli wine tasting lunch a reality.

It was our great pleasure that Tal Sunderland-Cohen was able to join us as our guest of honour. Tal is a renowned wine writer and wine consultant. He’s an ambassador for Israeli wines and sits on the OMGD’s international committee. We were in safe hands when it comes to Israeli wines!

We enjoyed a selection of six wines from the Galilee region: two each from Dalton Winery in Galilee, Tulip Winery in Tvar Tikva, and Mediterranean Maia Winery, making in all two white wines, a rosé and three red wines.

We learned how wine production in Israel is a modern, quality-focused industry having famous historical roots. The grape vine was one of the ancient blessings of the promised land of Canaan, together with wheat and barley, pomegranates and figs, olive oil and honey.

For a bit of cultural context (and fun!) we incorporated them somewhere into our menu for the lunch. Chef Peeush’s culinary creations indeed provided ideal pairings with which the six wines could be enjoyed to best advantage:

MENU

Heirloom tomato terrine
2020 Dalton Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Blue-fin tuna carpaccio
2020 Dalton Estate Chardonnay
2020 Maia Mare Pink

Falafel-crusted red mullet

Pomegranate sorbet

Black Angus short ribs with Red Canaan reduction
2017 Maia Mare Nostrum
2018 Tulip Syrah Reserve

Cheese with fruits
2018 Tulip Reserve Cabernet-Sauvignon

Chocolate pudding

As our Bailli Délégué Ian Fairservice brought the proceedings to a close with a fitting speech of appreciation, the assembled service brigade and culinary team received well-deserved applause.

The service was perfectly coordinated and attentive. The standard of cuisine was excellent throughout. Many thanks must go to the Danat Al Ain Resort. We were delighted that Tarek Elias, the hotel’s General Manager, and Director of Sales Moutaz Nazzal were able to join us for the lunch.

Vive la Chaîne and Vive l’Ordre Mondial!

Richard Irving Corlett
Chargé de Missions