Kosher wine has a bad reputation. In the past, this was mostly due to the process of heating the wine called mevushal (which means "boiled" in Hebrew). This was done to ensure a Kosher designation even when the wine is not handled completely by Sabbath observing Jews (required under Kosher law). Of course, heating wine will kill the delicious, complex character and add unwanted flavors as well. Today, with advances in modern winemaking technology like the Flash Détente process (flash pasteurization) that quickly heats and then cools grapes just after harvest, great quality can be maintained.
Wines from Israel are taking center stage for many reasons. Israel has a wonderfully unique terroir. You may think of the country as just an arid desert, but high elevation vineyards ensure drastic day-to-night temperature swings, allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining fresh acidity and balance. The great Mediterranean terroir combined with a plethora of innovative, young winemaking talent, advances in technology, and the fact that heating can be avoided as Jews handle the wine during every step in the production process, means that Israel is the source for outstanding Kosher wine.
We’ve come such a long way since the time of Manischewitz! Explore stellar examples of Kosher wines from around the world. Top winemakers from prestigious regions like the Napa Valley are taking the necessary legal steps to certify their wines as Kosher. These are wines to enjoy year-round, and not just at the Passover table.
Discover a hand-picked selection of excellent kosher wines to celebrate the High Holidays. These delicious wines are exactly what you want for your Passover feast:
2016 Herzog Russian River Chardonnay (Kosher) $38.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
This bold and rich Chardonnay was fermented and aged for 15 months in a blend of French and American oak barrels. A rich, full texture with aromas and flavors of vanilla and toast. The terroir of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley shines through adding flavors of tropical fruits like mango in addition to lemon, apple, and pear flavors. Pair it with roasted turkey.
2016 Tulip Just Cabernet (Kosher) $24.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
From the Upper Galilee in Israel this deep garnet colored wine offers aromas of red cherry, black pepper spice, blackberry, and cocoa. Espresso and blueberry flavors burst from the glass. Full-bodied with a long luxurious finish. Pair with slow roasted brisket.
2016 Tulip White (Kosher) 750ml $26.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
A blend of two aromatic grapes, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, this floral and complex white wine is just stunning. Tropical fruit flavors of lychee, pineapple, and grapefruit are balanced by white peppercorn spice. Bright, fresh acidity lifts the pronounced fruit flavors. Pair with ceviche and spicy Asian dishes or enjoy as an aperitif.
2014 Teperberg Essence Malbec (Kosher) $34.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
Essence Malbec comes from fruit from the Ayalon Valley which has a high diurnal shift in day to night temperature swings. This allows the fruit to ripen fully while retaining acidity. This bold Malbec shows off pronounced aromas and flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, violets, and black pepper. The delightfully firm tannins balance the bold fruit.
2016 Teperberg Impression Cabernet Sauvignon (Kosher) $19.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
Deep garnet in color, this full-bodied Cabernet offers a decedent bouquet of red cherries, blackberries, blueberries, dried herbs and garrigue. Pair with a hearty steak.
2017 Teperberg Impression Chardonnay (Kosher) $19.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
A wonderfully full-bodied Chardonnay with a luxurious creamy texture. Aromas and flavors of ripe red apple, prickly pear, lemon rind, and toasted almonds. A long and decedent finish. Pair with roasted chicken or Matzah Ball soup.
2017 Terra Vega Sauvignon Blanc (Kosher) $10.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
A crisp, aromatic, and juicy Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. Bright and tart citrus and tropical fruit flavors shine. Pair with white flaky fish.
2019 Terra Vega Merlot (Kosher) $9.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
Incredible value! This fruity and opulent Merlot shows off the Chilean terroir. Ripe plummy aromas and flavors of black cherry and baking spice are balanced by juicy acidity and soft tannins.
2014 Alexander Sandro (Kosher) $29.99 - VIEW PRODUCT
Alexander Sandro is made at the Alexander Winery at Moshav Beit Yitzhak in the Hefer Valley near Netanya. The fruit for this wine comes from the northern Galilee region and it is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc. Very expressive with aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries and red plums with supple, silky tannins.
Elyse Genderson is the Vice President of Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. Visit her at the historic storefront at 300 Massachusetts Ave NE to discover wines you’ll love.
