Some Kosher Wines to Enjoy in 5774
The holiday season, which starts with Rosh Hashanah and culminates with the days of Sukkot, is a time where we place emphasis on meals shared with family and friends. (Not that we don't place emphasis on good meals all year long!)
When serving our Yom Tov or Shabbos guests, we try to be both creatively traditional and seasonal in our menus. To complement our food and toast the New Year, we select our wines carefully. And, there are so many from which to choose! From our panel of tasters, and from reports from professional wine critics, we share a few favorite wines which reflect varying types, origins and price ranges. Enjoy! Let us know if you try some of these.
Hagafen Estate Bottled Napa Valley Syrah, 2009: On the nose, this Syrah shows aromas of red and black fruits. This inky, dark red wine fills the mouth with firm, meaty tannins. With an extremely long finish, this well-structured Syrah goes well with anything roasted and in need of a wine able to accent and deepen the experience of hearty meat dishes. $32
Hagafen Brut Cuvée Late Disgorged Sparkling Wine 2007
This elegant bubbly is full, clean, and beautiful.. This beautiful wine is full of prolific small bubbles and has a wonderfully long finish. An extravagance, but in our opinion, worth it $42 (a personal favorite for special occasions).
Prix Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 From Hagafen Cellars, we like the crispness of this wine and the citrus flavor. Great with fish or poultry or just to sip and enjoy. $27
Hagafen 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, A Napa Valley Gold Medals International wine competition winner $21
Hagafen 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Estate Gold Medals, Tasters Guild International $45
Yarden 2012 Mount Hermon Indigo with aromatic ripe plum and berry notes, along with hints of spice and cocoa... a medium bodied wine ready to drink now or in 2-3 years. Pairs well with just about any Yom Tov or Shabbos meal $15
Gilgal White Riesling 2012 is a light, bright vintage combining floral, citrus and peach notes; made with white Riesling grapes grown in the Golan heights. This varietal is a medium bodied white, with a hint of sweetness. Enjoy it on its own, or with a chicken or fish dish. Best enjoyed young, or within 2 years. Lovely for a toast with friends! $16
Galil Alon 2010 from the Yiron vineyard, in the highest elevation of the Upper Galilee. It is deep purple, full bodied wine, with a long finish and goes well with rich meals, meat dishes such as beef and lamb, and for a special treat with chocolate desserts. Drink now, or let it age for 5-7 years. $20
Yarden 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon El Rom Vineyard
This was produced from grapes grown in a single vineyard, high in the Galilee.. It is known to Improve with aging and continues to age well for 10-15 years. Pairs perfectly with full flavored foods such as lamb, duck or roasts. $30
Sara Bee Moscato, Italy: This was a top value selection of ours from last year and many critics offer accolades for this wine. What a wonderful price if you enjoy a sweet, effervescent golden white. Perfect for lunch in the Succah, or for a crowd. Trader Joe's. $7
Recanati Reserve Merlot 2007: From the Upper Galilee, a deep ruby color. Elegant, full bodied. Serve slightly cooler than room temperature. A wonderful wine to serve with meat and poultry. $25
Recanati Yasmin White 2012 : Yasmin White is a light blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Emerald Riesling and French Colombard grapes harvested in the winery's vineyards in the Jezreel Valley.
Lovely as an aperitif or with chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes. Best served well chilled. $11.00
Recanati Yasmin Red 2012 : Yasmin Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz grapes grown in the winery's vineyards in the Galilee and the Ella Valley. This light-bodied wine has rich fruity flavors and can be enjoyed young, especially with meat and poultry. $11.00
Herzog Special Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2009: From California, a crisp white wine, lovely with fish, pasta and chicken $30
Let's toast to 5774. We pray for a sweet, peaceful and prosperous year for the Jewish people and for all good people everywhere. May we grow in our spiritual lives, and rejoice in our homes, in our relationships, and of course, in our kitchens! L'Chaim!