Kosher Wine: More Than Manischewitz

Kosher wine is so much more than Manischewitz . Although! At a boyfriend’s family’s Thanksgiving (I feel like way too many of my wine stories start with boyfriends and/or Thanksgiving), he brought a bottle as an inside joke with his cousin. I sipped a small glass which was, well, what it was. But then! In the kitchen, I grabbed a bottle of (I don’t remember if it was 7-Up or Sprite, I think it was 7-Up)—splooshed some into my Manischewitz along with some ice, and you know what? It wasn’t terrible. Fortunately, kosher wine is so much more. Kosher has a variety of designations; things can be kosher and not kosher for Passover. Mevushal or not. If you want to revisit the terminology I wrote about previously, check it out here . However, I am not a rabbi, nor have I ever played one on tv, so if you are super-strict please feel free fact-check my work. In the meantime, some kosher for Passover drinks I’ve enjoyed recently, in no particular order: 2019 Twin Suns Lodi Sauvignon Blanc It’s a big Sauvignon Blanc. Rich and spicy and full. The ripest of fruits. Peach. Melons. Some citrus. Oddly enough something that reminds me of alpine strawberries which if I had my choice may be the only strawberry I’ll ever eat again. And you definitely get that gooseberry—almost tannic—tang. 2014 Tabor Thunder Adami Ii Packing that Syrah punch, even at 60% Syrah. I get those juicy olive notes soaring at me along with green pepper (thank you 40% Cabernet Sauvignon?) and black plum. On the palate, it is a slow sipper. Super earthy, it’s broad and swarthy wine, a strapping suitor, but they’re carrying a bouquet of lilacs—it marches across your palate then brandishes flowers. Really neat balance. I feel like it would pair well with anything involving rosemary and fat/protein. 2014 Tulip “Espero” 55% Syrah/30% Merlot/15% Cabernet Franc. Ever so delightfully balanced. Rich dark fruit and a hint of earth and game. Super silky tannins and then hey! On the back palate at least two types of pepper (green and white) show up. It’s kind of cool, I feel like I get characteristics of all the grapes in this wine at separate points. The Syrah sings on the nose. The Merlot lends texture, and then yeah, those Cab Franc peppers hit at the end. A delight. 2019 Domaine du Castel Petit Castel I had this wine once at an Israeli wine lunch and was happy to revisit it for this article. A Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend, it’s quite ripe, all blue fruit and spices—and a wee bit white pepper-y, but the present acid and perky tannins render it quite sophisticated for all the ripeness. I’d call it the fanciest wine at a casual spot. It has something to say but is easy going all the same. 2019 Goose Bay Small Batch Pinot Noir Wooo-eeee it’s a screwcap, so give it a few minutes to make friends with oxygen. Then enjoy. This is a spicy and rich brew that grows on me with every tipple. Both tart cherry and cherry preserves (in flavor not sweetness), and on the nose there’s something that makes me think of an oatmeal cookie—maybe that’s the cinnamon/nutmeg/allspice notes, but I could swear I get oats too. There’s a smidge of green tannins on the palate, keeping this wine fresh in at least two senses of the word. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Want to read more from Ellen? Check out her recent articles: Academy Wine In Honor of Women’s History Month Ellen in Lalaland: Enter the Valley The Riesling Chronicles, Part One: Old vs. New Love Wine You can also listen to Ellen's podcast , The Wine Situation here . Check out her recent transcripts of the Final Five questions: Wine Situation Final Five! With Robert Camuto Wine Situation Final Five! With Maryam Ahmed