A Toast to Thanksgiving and Hanukkah

The Thanksgiving meal that many of us enjoy annually is always a feast, this year more than ever, since the day coincides with the first day of Hanukkah. This year, along with the traditional turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and pies, many are adding latkes.

So, which wine works with a latke, turkey and maybe brisket feast?Thanks to the proliferation of kosher wine selections, wine and food pairings have become popular in kosher homes. We have polled some wine "mavens", including KosherEye readers, and the following is a roundup of several favorites. The selections include value priced bottles all the way up to luxury picks. And yes, some are a splurge - high on our readers' wish list, and ours. Prices are approximate. Enjoy these at the holidays, and year round.

   Hagafen from California

2012 White Riesling, Devoto Vineyards-Lake County
Gold Medal winner Finger Lakes International Wine competition Semi dry, light and golden. From organic grapes- Lovely with starters, turkey, or chicken. $21

2012 Collage Don Ernesto-Lodi. Rousanne/Marsanne
Many experts call this one a favorite medium body white wine with notes of pineapple, papaya and vanilla cream. It is a blend of roussanne and marsanne, two of the traditional white wines from the Rhone Valley. $18

2011 Hagafen Pinot Noir
Medium bodied with a warm roasted coffee note. Smooth high quality pinot, and it is Mevushal! $29

2007 Hagafen Late Disgorged Brut Cuvee
Toast the season! This bubbly wine adds versatility, elegance, and festivity to any meal or special occasion. This beautiful sparkler is almost gone – 20 cases left –$42

2010 Hagafen Cabernet Franc  Luscious, deep, rich, round and bold. Full bodied - pair with meats, poultry and roasts.  Only 35 cases remain $39

2009 Hagafen Syrah Estate Bottled-Napa Valley, Wieruszowski Vineyard –Coombsville
Made from organically grown grapes rich, dark red, long finish $32

For additional Hagafen wine selections and information about the Hagafen wine club, visit hagafen.com.

        Yarden from Israel

Gilgal White Riesling 2012 as an aperitif, with spicy chicken wings or fish.  The 2012 Gilgal White Riesling exhibits floral, melon, lemon zest, peach and tangerine notes complemented by hints of fresh mint. Medium-bodied, this refreshing off-dry wine displays subtle sweetness and classic varietal character. An extraordinary value too. $15

Mount Hermon Indigo 2012 The 2012 Mount Hermon Indigo presents aromatic ripe plum and berry notes rounded out with hints of spice and cocoa. This medium-bodied wine is pleasingly flavorful and very drinkable. Ready to drink now, the 2012 Mount Hermon Indigo should stay in good drinking condition for about three years from harvest.
Give the wine a try with meat or poultry—such as a good juicy burger, a hot slice of thin-crust pizza, a hearty moussaka or a brisket! $12

Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 El Rom Vineyard limited edition of 30 barrels. Goes well with roasts, steaks and meat entrees.  Dark red purple 2009
. Elegant dense black fruits aroma aging in French oak barrels for 18 months helps the wine to fully express its combination of vibrant black fruit, earth and light herbaceous characters. 
$75

2009 Yarden 2T exhibits wild berry, plum, with floral, spice and chocolate notes, a full-bodied wine with concentrated flavor and a long finish. It is ready to enjoy now, and will even improve with age. It goes well with beef and lamb dishes, such as grilled ribeye steak, or tender "falling off the bone" braised lamb shanks. Or, turkey! $30

Galil Alon 2010 Deep dark purple in color Full bodied with well-balanced flavor and a long finish. Goes well with meat dishes such as lamb, roast beef, grilled meats and even rich chocolate desserts $20

To learn more about Yarden Wines from Israel visit Yarden.com

Sara Bee - Buy this effervescent sweet white Moscato wine at Trader Joe's. A product of Italy. $5.99

Baron Herzog Jeunesse 2012 – Ruby colored, soft texture and a perceived touch of sweetness; with berry, cherry and floral notes, considered youthful, flavorful and fun. $10

Bartenura Moscato 2011 – This popular blue bottle as it has been nicknamed, has become a staple on Shabbos and Yom Tov tables in homes across America. Fruity, drink young. $14

Recanati Merlot 2011 – Medium bodied fine Merlot--Pairs well with meat and poultry dishes.. $15

Recanati Shiraz 2011 - Smooth and complex flavors of raspberry and plum. Pair with grilled meats, roasts spicy dishes. $15

8 uses for leftover wine:

1. Freeze in ice cube trays for recipes and mixed drinks
2. Poach fruit
3. Use in marinades
4. Make your own wine vinegar
5. Top ice cream and sorbet
6. Use in salad dressing
7. Add to beef and meat stews
8. Make sauces

How to clean wine spills:
Remove-Red-Wine-from-Fabric
This product really works: Red Wine Stain Remover - "WINE OUT", Travel Pocket Spray