From the four corners of the Earth

“From the four corners of the Earth” — the meaning of this famous phrase, said in the Birkat Hachodesh, the blessing for Rosh Chodesh, the new month, resonates strongly now. In these challenging times, we are both witnesses and protagonists of the realization of this prophecy from Yeshahayahu Hanavi.

Many articles and recipes appearing in print now are by Jews from different countries around the world. Through food, each author contributes and shares their rich cultural and family heritage. We Jews all have a cultural tradition that should unite rather than divide us. This why I chose wines from countries far from one another to enjoy over the yamim tovim. I hope you like them as much as I do. L’chaim and Shanah Tovah!

Netofa, Latour, White, 2021: In my family, the custom is to start the Rosh Hashanah seder with the simanim of the Shivat Haminim, the seven species from Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, I start with this Chenin Blanc, grown and vinified in the Lower Galilee by Pierre Miodownick, a French winemaker. This wine exemplifies the enrichment of different cultures, grown in Israel by local viticulturists but made by a Frenchman with methods from France’s Loire Valley. This Chenin is dry, with notes of pear, quince, and lime on the nose and palate; it has a nice viscosity, with subtle hints of earthy minerals and almonds and refreshing acidity leading to a lip-smacking finish.

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Herzog, Lineage, Chardonnay, Clarksburg, 2023: Lineage is the “value” line of Herzog Wine Cellars.; with Lineage are an extensive number of lovely red, white, and sparkling wines, all priced at about $20 or less. The Chardonnay is my favorite, showcasing a remarkable balance between the California sun-kissed notes of lemon and apple combined with refreshing acidity and hints of almonds on the finish.

Clos de Caille, Blanc, Côtes de Provence, 2023: This brand-new white wine is made from Rolle, a grape variety better known by its Italian name, Vermentino. It has a nice, fruit-forward profile of stone fruits and pear with a touch of green apple and nice, flinty mineral undertones, almost smoky which contribute to its complexity.

Cantina Giuliano, A Mano, Toscana IGT, 2020: Cantina Giuliano is the boutique family Italian winery of Eli and Lara Gauthier. Eli is French, and Lara is Italian. Together, they have combined Eli’s winemaking knowledge, acquired in France, with Lara’s family estate and Tuscanian vineyards. A Mano is the winery’s flagship wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This is a big, rich, generous wine with notes of ripe black fruits, roasted herbs, savory earthy notes, and chewy tannins.

ESSA, Emunah, 2020: This family winery is owned and operated in South Africa by Josh and Chana Rynderman. Josh grew up in Boston and San Jose; Chana was born and grew up in South Africa. Josh brought his winemaking skills, mostly learned in California, and took kosher South African wine to the next level. The Emunah is a full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend, with rich black and blue fruit, as well as notes of rich earth and tobacco, with a long and powerful finish.

Château Piada, Sauternes, 2022: The sweet touch, certainly appropriate for Rosh Hashanah and year-round, as well. There have been a number of kosher Château Piada for nearly 40 years! This 2022 is, in my opinion, the best Piada in quite a few years. It has its distinct notes of dried apricot, mango and orange, with notes of honeysuckle and vanilla. It is beautifully balanced by excellent acidity, which prevents it from tasting too sweet.

Royal Wine