Kosher Wine – Not Just for Passover Anymore

With Passover upon us, many turn to the old stand-by, Manischewitz, as the go-to kosher wine.  While Manischewitz will always have a place on our table, many vintners have adopted modern wine production techniques, resulting in kosher wines from all over the world that rival Napa quality.  Let’s take a look at some outstanding kosher wines you can enjoy year-round.

Golan Moscato 2008

Golan Moscato is a young and fresh white dessert wine with a light sparkle. Attractive fresh floral, bright green apple, tropical fruit and ripe tangerine flavors are highlighted with subtler notes of peppermint and spice. This Israeli wine has a low alcohol content, in the Moscato d’Asti tradition.  Serve it chilled with fresh strawberry pie.

Yarden Mt. Hermon White 2007

Citrus, green apple and pear notes along with a bit of orange blossom make this bright and tasty wine suitable for everyday drinking. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc, with Chardonnay and Semillon blended in, which give this vibrant wine additional depth and complexity. Try it with marinated chicken breasts or the catch-of-the-day, hot off the grill. Many enjoy adding a dash of crème de cassis for a “Kir” to be enjoyed with friends.

Cantina Gabriele Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

This fruity wine is medium-bodied, with gentle tannins and a good balancing acidity. Semi-dry and smooth with the aroma and flavors of wild berries, raspberries and cassis, with hints of pepper and Oriental spices. Enjoy with barbecue dishes, or grilled and roasted meat.

Don Guillermo Malbec 2009

This appealing quaffer is medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a long drying finish.  A nice, easy table wine, it delivers aromas and flavors of wild berries, black and red cherries and dried figs.  It’s a natural with rare beef, but just as good with simple fare from burgers to fried chicken.

Cantina Gabrielle Pinot Grigio 2009

Extremely flavorful, clean, and dry with fresh tropical fruit flavors, plus white peach and lemon zest.  Pleasant acidity, with a refreshing mineral quality and a long, glowing finish.  This lovely wine pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, risotto, and pasta dishes.

Chateau Jaumard Bordeaux Rouge 2008

This pleasant Bordeaux is a well-structured blended red wine with good upfront fruit and a hint of intriguing spice. Very smooth with medium body, it finishes with a lingering herbal flourish.  It goes well with almost anything; but I recommend you try it with your favorite steak

This is just a small sampling of the outstanding selection of kosher wines readily available at your local wine shop. If you would like to “try before you buy”, be sure to stop by KJ Baaron’s Fine Wine & Sprits on Apr 9th from 4-7 PM for a kosher wine tasting in which we will taste all wines mentioned in this article.

Kathryn (Katie) Krock is owner of the upscale KJ Baaron’s Fine Wine and Spirits located at 220 Summer Street, Across from Union Station in Worcester, MA.  A 2002 graduate of Drexel College, Katie also manages her family-owned business, Commerce Associates, a commercial real estate management company located in downtown Worcester.