Exploring the Elegance of Israeli Wines: A Journey with Yisrael Flam and the Flam Winery

30 May 2024 · 84 min
1:24:10

In this bilingual (English‑Hebrew) interview, host Simon Jacob sits down with veteran winemaker Yisrael Flam and his son Gilad Flam at the Flam Winery in the Judean Hills. The conversation weaves through the winery’s history, its boutique philosophy, and the stylistic identity of its wines. The Flams discuss the meaning (or lack thereof) of grape labels such as Cabernet Sauvignon, emphasizing that the true signature lies in the winemaking style of Golan Flam rather than the varietal name. They describe production volumes (around 150‑180 k bottles), the decision to stay small‑scale, and the focus on estate‑only grapes. Technical details are shared about winemaking practices – whole‑cluster pressing, cold fermentation, barrel fermentation, micro‑oxygenation, and the “white treatment” involving yeast mixing and de‑oxygenation to impart smoky oak nuances. The dialogue touches on past releases (e.g., the 2020 small‑batch, the 2021 Cabernet, the 2016 Nobel 16) and notable accolades, including praise from world‑renowned taster Jensen Robinson. Future ambitions are outlined: expanding vineyards in Givat Yeshayahu, investing in the “Sapphire Stone” project, and maintaining a boutique, terroir‑expressive approach while resisting mass‑production pressures. Throughout, the interview balances technical wine‑making insight with reflections on Israeli wine’s place in the global market, the challenges of kosher certification, and the personal passion driving the Flam family’s dedication to quality.

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