Photo: Tishbi Vineyards
After the jump, find are our eight favorites – and a suggested food pairing for each.
2007 Baron Herzog Chardonnay Central Coast, California ($13)
Honeysuckle is on the nose of this clean, refreshing Chardonnay. It also has floral, apple and pear notes, and a bright, smooth finish.
Pairing: Matzo ball soup.
2009 Bartenura Moscato d'Asti, Italy ($12)
Of the kosher wines sampled, this was our favorite. Delicate and not too overpowering – as some Moscato d'Astis can be – there's nice effervescence and balance. Plus, with just 5 percent alcohol, this is a great pour for those guests who don't typically drink wine.
Pairing: Citrus salad, such as this one with oranges, dates, almonds and cinnamon.
2008 Tishbi Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Israel ($12)
While it's crisp and acidic like most Sauvignon Blancs, there's a welcoming softness to this wine, with mineralities and a floral nose.
Pairing: Gefilte fish.
2007 Baron Herzog Old-Vine Zinfandel Lodi, California ($13)
While this isn't the jammy, fruit-forward style that some Zin lovers clamor for, the lighter body provides excellent mouthfeel and is very approachable. A perfumed nose is a contrasting but likable entry to this leathery wine with tea and berry notes.
Pairing: Haroset prepared with fruits and nuts.
2007 Tishbi Vineyards Merlot, Israel ($18)
Fifteen percent Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Merlot to create a soft, fruity wine with raspberry and strawberry notes and a black-pepper finish. A pleasant strawberry nose kicks off this wine's profile.
Pairing: Most kugels.
2009 Tishbi Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Israel ($15)
We liked the unique style of this 100-percent Cab. Earthy pepper aromas are on the nose, with cranberry flavors emerging mid-palate and carrying through to the finish. Overall, it's rich and soft.
Pairing: Brisket.
2006 Carmel Winery Petite Sirah Old Vines Judean Hills, Israel ($25)
Lots of cherry, black-currant and violet notes lead into a surprising dry, somewhat tannic, finish that lingers.
Pairing: Chocolate torte or flourless chocolate cake.
2006 Binyamina Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel ($25)
Aromas of oak and cigar box set the stage for tobacco and dark-cherry notes in this chewy wine.
Pairing: Lamb dishes.
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3-29-2010 @5:29PM Sarai said... All this meshugah over wine? Come on people it's Pesach!
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3-29-2010 @5:50PM EDWIN said... EVEN THIS LATINO KNOWS ITS A RABBI.
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3-29-2010 @6:00PM JayKay said... You just posted the definition & then changed it. The dictionary says nothing about a priest blessing anything. It says "proper, acceptable, sanctioned by jewish law." Food is kosher if it meets the prescribed standards in terms of ingredients, cleanliness, and preparation methods. What most people get confused about is the kosher certification, which is generally provided by specific organizations. They dont actually make the food kosher, they just certify that they've checked to make sure the food is up to standard.
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3-29-2010 @6:42PM Gary Mayer said... Marian: You may have provided me with a solution. I haven't had a good red wine in eons; most taste too dry and bitter, but Shiloh's wines, made in Israel, may do the trick. I'm not into Concord or Mogan David (too sweet).
I live in a 75,000 town with almost no Jewish people so it may be hard to get, but I'm going to Milwaukee next week and the city is very diversified, many German Jews, and I know of a few shops that might have a good supply. Meanwhile, I'll check the Shiloh website. I DO like the song by Neil Diamond.
Thanks for the recommendation. Now, that's what blogging is all about - not about criticizing typo errors or definitions of religious or ethnic groups.
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3-29-2010 @7:49PM Larry Vecchione said... I am not Jewish but I love Jewish food. I am not a drinker either but I adore the Bartenura wine that you suggested. I bought five bottles after tasting the first.
I also love the Kosher potato chips and the egg and onion matzos..
Thank you for your articles.
Enjoy your Passover
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3-29-2010 @8:06PM BO said... Not a wine drinker but the descriptions make them sound wonderful to sip with or after a meal. I keep hearing that red wine is good for the body -- who knows, I may just give a sip! BO
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3-29-2010 @8:08PM pamzie said... Gary,
You meant well. Jewish is a religion not a nationality. You can be of the Jewish religion and be from anywhere and everywhere. The problem is that many Jewish people do not practice their religion but live their traditions and respect that they are from a Jewish family. However, like you said, this article is about wine. I always thought Mogen David and Manischewitz were "wine". .When I went on my first trip to California, I didn't even recognize the beverage. Soooooooooooo much better or just different from my childhood sipping.
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