Wonderful wines for Pesach and all year round
Every year, in the weeks leading up to Pesach, mainstream media extensively cover the holiday. Passover seemingly receives more attention than Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur combined. There seems to be a great interest in people wanting to know everything about matzah, chametz, kosher wine, and what makes Pesach such a special yom tov. It’s quite intriguing when you think about it. While the New York Stock Exchange shuts down for Yom Kippur, and Rosh Hashanah, strictly speaking, isn’t solely about the Jewish people — as it marks the new year for the entire world and commemorates the anniversary of Creation — Passover, though it focuses exclusively on the Jewish people, appears to be the festival that most captures the interest of non-Jews. Perhaps that is because it’s not just the story of our breaking free from slavery, but it marks the historical moment we officially became a nation.
Materially speaking, kosher wine is a strong symbol of our connection and commitment to God. Unlike kosher food, kosher wine isn’t defined solely by specific ingredients or appearance. In order for wine to be certified kosher, it must be produced by observant Jews and without violating Shabbat throughout the process. This is a point I often clarify when explaining kosher wine, especially before Pesach. Members of the mainstream media frequently inquire what makes kosher-for-Passover wine special, particularly because many Jews who don’t typically keep kosher choose to drink it for Pesach. They’re often surprised to learn that these wines — almost 99 percent of them — are not only popular to drink at Passover but are also enjoyed throughout the year.
This is why I’ve chosen to review not just four wines standing for the seder’s four cups, but five, to symbolize continuity. These are wines we drink for Shabbat, at brit ceremonies, weddings, weeknight dinners — in fact, they’re excellent wines for any time.
Chag kasher v’sameach! L’chaim!
Vitkin, Collectors’ Edition, Carignan, 2021: Vitkin’s winemaker and proprietor, Assaf Paz, is one of Israel’s finest. He blends old-world knowledge with carefully selected grape varieties that thrive in Israel’s terroir. This medium-bodied wine offers ripe raspberry and black plum notes, vibrant acidity, gripping tannins, earthy minerals, and hints of thyme and rosemary on a long, elegant finish.
Razi’el, Brut, Rosé, NV: A remarkable example of the Champagne method, this sparkling rosé stands out with its salmon hue and notes of ripe strawberries, cherries, and citrus zest. It boasts a fine mousse, vibrant acidity, subtle white flower notes, a hint of toast, and a crisp, mineral-driven finish — a top choice for those who wish to enjoy a sparkling rosé at the seder.
Château Royaumont, Lalande-de-Pomerol, 2021: This high-quality Bordeaux wine is mevushal and approachable and, while not inexpensive, it offers medium-bodied richness with red fruit notes, earthiness, smokiness, lovely acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish.
Herzog, Special Reserve, Pinot Noir, 2021: Pinot Noir, a classic choice for the four cups, is known for its soft palate. This version presents ripe red berries, earthy undertones, a hint of olives, medium-plus acidity, and a silky, prolonged finish.
Or Haganuz, Har Sinai, Pisga: While an 18 percent ABV dessert wine might be too intense for the four cups for most seder-goers, it’s perfect for a festive Pesach meal.
— Royal Wine Corp.
Gabriel Geller, WSET III, is director of public relations and advertising and manager of wine education at Royal Wine Corp. To learn more, contact him at GGeller@royalwine.com or go to royalwine.com.
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