Kosher Wines for Passover

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Passover is almost upon us and unbeknownst to most, it’s a holiday where a significant amount of wine is supposed to be consumed.  Passover is a holiday celebrating the Jews exodus out of slavery in Egypt.   As part of the seder, four glasses of wine are consumed, and I would imagine that in some families, it’s much more.  The four glasses of wine symbolize a part of the ceremony: the Kiddush (sanctification of Passover), the recounting of the Exodus, Birkat Hamazon (blessing of the nourishment after the meal) and Hallel (a prayer used to give prayer and thansgiving).

To celebrate Passover, we have come up with a list of some of our favorite Kosher wines to help you celebrate.  You might be bowled over when you see favorite and Kosher wine in the same sentence, but it’s true.  There is so much more to the world of Kosher wine than what you might think.  For most people, Kosher wine is syrupy sweet wines that are synonymous with Manischewitz and Kedem, which interestingly enough, aren’t usually Kosher for passover as they are allegedly sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.  But, fear not.  There are some amazing Kosher wines that are also Kosher for Passover coming out of Israel and France.  In addition to the ones listed below, do some research and seek out other Kosher wines you like.

To celebrate Passover, try some of our favorite Kosher wines.  We were mindful in selecting wines that were inexpensive, as well as expensive.  We recommend big red wines for your brisket or lamb, pinot for those who don’t like big reds, whites for your chicken and an amazing wine for dessert if you have room in your budget for it.  Oh, and we would never forget to include some bubbles.  Here is our list:

Laurent Perrier Champagne – an incredible Champagne from France.  Use for the Kiddush and to enjoy the seder platter.

Dalton Sauvignon Blanc – this wine is from the Upper Galilee in Israel and is picked early, both factors that help the wine preserve the acidity that Sauvignon Blanc is known for.  Unlike its counter-parts from cooler growing regions, this wine reflects the grapefruit and tropical notes, such as pineapple, of a warmer growing region.

Willm – this winery is located in Alsace France and produces a number of still and sparkling white wines.  The bonus is that most of them sell at very good prices.  Try the Pinot Blanc or Gewurztraminer to spice things up.

Gamla – one of my favorite Israeli wineries.  Gamla produces a range of red and white wines.  The wine was initially recommended to me by a friend during one of my visits to Israel.  Now, we buy it at home as well.  These wines are very reasonably priced.

Margalit – the boutique winery that started the Israeli wine renaissance.  Margalit makes some outstanding Bordeaux style wines.  Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a blend of them.  This wine will be sublime with brisket or lamb.

Chateau Giscours Margaux – a fine wine out of the most famed region of Bordeaux.  This wine is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and is sure to make your brisket sing.

Barons Edmund & Benjamin De Rothschild – this wine is named after the Edmund De Rothschild, the man that re-started the Israeli wine industry in the late 1800’s.  He also founded this winery in the Haut Medoc, which was then taken over by his son Benjamin.  The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Chataeu Guiraurd Sauternes – one of the finest Sauternes with a price to match.  This is literally liquid gold.  If you can afford it, splurge.  There is no better way to end a seder.

For some more options, check out Kosherwine.com and Onlinekosherwine.com.

 

 

Willm Pinot Blanc – Alsace

 

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