New Kosher Wines For Passover
As the rest of the world feasts on ham and chocolate Easter eggs, Jews relish the week of Passover as an opportunity to contemplate the Exodus from Egypt and the significance of unleavened bread at the Seder meal.
For several decades, wineries from Australia to Israel have crafted tasty kosher wines. Famed French chateaux and Napa vintners have been part of the scene that's raised the quality bar. And now it's not uncommon to find fine kosher wines from Chile and even Oregon.
Below are four of our favorite new kosher wines on the market with a terrific pairing to try during Passover — or anytime.
Goose Bay 2010 South Island Sauvignon Blanc ($20) is a signature sauvignon blanc from New Zealand's Marlborough region. It's crisp, refreshing, and perfect with fish — especially gefilte.
If you find yourself nibbling on charoset throughout dinner and during dessert, try it with Carmel Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc ($25). Made from grapes grown in vineyards in Israel's Upper Galilee, the wine has the dark fruit notes to stand up to charoset's rich, dark fruits and nuts.
From the Pacific Northwest's first kosher winery comes the Pacifica "Evan's Collection" 2010 Oregon Pinot Noir ($30). It is made from grapes sourced throughout the Hood River Valley and Willamette Valley, and its red cherry and long minerally finish would pair beautifully with mushroom and herb dishes.
And, finally, Chateau Thenac "Fleur du Perigord" 2010 ($25) is a juicy wine from the Côtes de Bergerac region east of Bordeaux. It has alluring aromas of stewed plums, ginger, and white pepper, plus a silky texture and elegant tannins. It would be perfect with roasted lamb from the Seder meal.