Did you know they make wine in Jordan? Until last night, I’ve never had a Jordanian wine!
This wine comes from Jordan River Wines. Donno why they brand themselves Jordan River TBH – Both winery is located quite some distance from the river itself in the city of Zarqa, to the east of Amman, while the grapes are grown in Mafraq a bit north of there. These guys are the oldest currently operating winery in Jordan, one of two. So no matter what this is a top 2 producer in the country haha.
The wine itself is pretty rich and somewhat concentrated on the nose. A lot of fruit, with some clove. Not the most complex, but it is typical barbera. No oak detected (might not have been oaked at all).
On the palate, this falls apart a little bit. There is noticeable, but below average acidity for Barbera. The alcohol isn’t the best integrated, it is very obvious.
There’s some tannins on the finish, but not overwhelming.
I will say that it paired splendidly with the kibbeh nayyeh, very great palate cleanser. And if you’re debating between this wine or Arak, well, I’d take this every time – I quite dislike how Arak brings a lingering anise note to the kibbeh.
Jordan isn’t where you expect to find Barbera, or wine at all for that matter. The execution could be a little bit better, but this bottle is pretty typical for affordable barbera. No complaints at all, and I’m pretty happy to try a wine from Jordan.
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Did you know they make wine in Jordan? Until last night, I’ve never had a Jordanian wine!
This wine comes from Jordan River Wines. Donno why they brand themselves Jordan River TBH – Both winery is located quite some distance from the river itself in the city of Zarqa, to the east of Amman, while the grapes are grown in Mafraq a bit north of there. These guys are the oldest currently operating winery in Jordan, one of two. So no matter what this is a top 2 producer in the country haha.
The wine itself is pretty rich and somewhat concentrated on the nose. A lot of fruit, with some clove. Not the most complex, but it is typical barbera. No oak detected (might not have been oaked at all).
On the palate, this falls apart a little bit. There is noticeable, but below average acidity for Barbera. The alcohol isn’t the best integrated, it is very obvious.
There’s some tannins on the finish, but not overwhelming.
I will say that it paired splendidly with the kibbeh nayyeh, very great palate cleanser. And if you’re debating between this wine or Arak, well, I’d take this every time – I quite dislike how Arak brings a lingering anise note to the kibbeh.
Jordan isn’t where you expect to find Barbera, or wine at all for that matter. The execution could be a little bit better, but this bottle is pretty typical for affordable barbera. No complaints at all, and I’m pretty happy to try a wine from Jordan.