Four wines that feel like a hug

“Sometimes all a person needs is a hug,” someone spray-painted this on the wall of a building undergoing demolition in my neighborhood. When I saw it, I smiled to myself because I always feel like my surroundings speak to me. Two days later, when I returned to take a photo for Instagram, I saw the building had been demolished. How symbolic. The wall was gone, but the need for a hug remains. When I told a friend about this, he said, "Good thing we have alcohol," and I corrected him to wine. Thank goodness we have wine. Alcohol might comfort, but only wine can feel like a hug.

After writing last week about wines that evoke memories and nostalgia for the north, this time I tried to think of all the times I tasted wine that felt like a hug—enveloping like a blanket and soft on the palate. Even though it’s sweltering outside, it seems that in the times we live in, it doesn’t really matter.

I didn’t just discover Syrah and Petit Sirah (which was originally called Durif and is a hybrid of Shiraz and Peloursin) yesterday. I also couldn’t say they were my favorite wines. But recently, I’ve noticed that I prefer anything with Syrah, including Petit Sirah, especially in its varietal version. It was a surprising discovery for me, a bit like suddenly falling in love with someone who’s been right in front of you for years without you noticing.

Tzafririm Winery, Petit Sirah Durif 2020In Israel, there are many winemakers whose wines reflect their unique personalities. One standout is Lori Lander, the winemaker and owner of Tzafririm Winery in the Judean Hills, whose every bottle is bold and distinctive. A few days ago, I met her at the winery. We drank a bit, I really liked her, and when we got to the Durif, one of the newer wines at the winery, I realized I’d found “the one.” Honestly, this bottle is the reason for this entire article. It’s an enveloping, soft, and buttery wine. It doesn’t require much ceremony—no need to let it breathe or wait for it to open up. Just pour it into a glass and drink.Price: NIS 114, and there are a limited number of bottles available.

Galil Mountain Winery, Yiron Syrah 2021Imagine fresh berries, especially black raspberries, with a hint of plum and even cocoa. Now imagine all this in a bottle of red wine, with a relatively light body and balanced flavors. There isn’t a professional term for this kind of hug, but one definitely needs to be invented.Price: NIS 129.

Carmel Signature, Single Vineyard, Ein Zaitim Syrah 2020A bottle I’ve returned to now, after setting my eyes (and palate) on it when it came out last year, mainly because it’s particularly balanced and soft. Time has been kind to it in my opinion, and you don’t need much fuss with it—just open, drink on the balcony, and dream of peace.Price: NIS 109.

Raziel Winery, Red, Syrah Carignan 2021Though it’s not a pure Syrah, I never turn down Carignan. When it comes to wines that feel like a hug, this bottle will make you fight over the last drop. It has everything: aromas of spices, berries, and a full body. It’s festive, and I admit that when a bottle reaches me, I don’t rush to open it. I prefer to save it for a special moment. I drank it twice last month, and it seems the special moment is here and now.Price: NIS 150.