Not Purely For Passover
One of the greatest success stories in the wine industry's past 20 years is that of Bordeaux's Château Valandraud, owned by Jean-Luc Thunevin. A relative newcomer to the business (he's a garagiste), Thunevin not only proved that a fancy, centuries-old château wasn't needed to make great wine, he showed it's possible to make a great kosher wine, too.
Although he doesn't make it every year, Thunevin's kosher Valandraud can fetch double the price of his regular St.-Emilion red — which is $300. While a critically acclaimed $600 kosher Bordeaux is something aspirational for your Passover Seder, it isn't necessary, of course. Instead, we suggest you look at all the world's top wine regions — where you'll find several affordable, tasty kosher offerings.
Start with Israel. Check out Dalton and Recanti, both of which make reliably flavorful reds and whites for under $15. But remember that with kosher wine, you needn't stay confined to the Promised Land.
From New Zealand, check out Goose Bay, which makes delicious Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, year after year. Two others we like are Ramon Cardova Rioja 2007 ($14) from Spain, made of 100% Tempranillo, and Borgo Reale Sangiovese di Puglia 2008 ($12) from Italy. Though we haven't tried them, Bordeaux's legendary Rothschild family makes this kosher Malbec in Argentina ($20), as well as a Bordeaux red that clocks in at about one-tenth the price of Valandraud.
Just as Passover is all about escaping oppression, honor the story by breaking free of conventional thinking about kosher wines.
What will you be serving at your Seder? Share your pick below.