That time of year is upon us again. What most of the world calls “spring cleaning,” we Jews call (or rather kvetch), “Why were we freed from Egypt to become servants in our own households?”
But the toil of preparing for Passover suddenly seems worthwhile as we gather around our seder table from generation to generation, retelling the story of our nation’s Exodus from slavery, as we raise not one but Four Cups (not all at once, mind you).
Anticipating the arrival of the Prophet Elijah at your door calls for wine suitable for the occasion. Lucky for us, we have four opportunities to get it right, and with the abundance of great kosher wine available, we should all bat 1.000 like true Hall of Famers.
Kosher vs. Kosher for Passover Wine
Most of us know how to ascertain whether a wine is kosher or not; it’s the same as determining whether a food product is kosher. We check the label and look for one of the certifying agency logos.
Did you know that with very few exceptions, most all kosher wine is kosher for Passover as well? Bear in mind that Passover is truly a wine lover’s holiday.
In addition to the centrality of wine at the seder, many other spirits and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on Passover. Beverages distilled from grains, e.g., most beers, whiskeys, etc., are not consumed, though spirits produced from fruits or other non-grains have been becoming more popular in recent years. Some examples are fruit brandy (anyone still drinking Slivovitz?), potato vodka, sorghum whiskey or gin distilled from sugar cane.
The Four Cups
Many people have the custom to drink red wine (or grape juice) to fulfill the obligation of drinking the Four Cups, but not everyone can “handle” four cups of heavy red wine, so a good option is either Rosé or pink, light bubbly wine, which leads us to most of the following recommendations. All these wines are available locally, including at Quarry Wine & Spirits, 2516 Quarry Lake Drive.
First Cup: Pavolino, Prosecco, Rosé
Made with 85% Glera (the grape used to make all Prosecco) and 15% Pinot Noir, and hailing from Prosecco’s hometown of Veneto, Italy, this crisp, delightful wine has aromas of apple, pear, and citrus, with raspberry. Crisp with a creamy mouthfeel. $16, 11% ABV
Second Cup: Sainte Béatrice, Côtes De Provence, Rosé
Provence sits in beautiful southeast France and is renowned for its Provencal Rosé, special owing to its unique Mediterranean climate and location. The Sainte Béatrice, made from Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, shows nice wild raspberry, fresh strawberry, medium-plus acid and a nice finish. $21, 12.5% ABV
Third Cup: Shiloh, Mosaic, 2018
As the third cup follows the main portion of the seder meal, I’d suggest opening this for the meal and refilling for the third cup. I always try to feature at least one wine from Israel for the seder, and Shiloh is a winery that celebrates its connection to ancient Israel.
Shiloh’s bull logo is a reference to the Tribe of Joseph as the city of Shiloh was contained within its biblical territory. Mosaic is the winery’s flagship wine. Pronounced nose of dark fruit, blackberry, chocolate, leather, some earth. On the palate, full-bodied with medium acidity and round tannins. Well-structured. 45% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 20% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18 months in French oak barrels. Unfiltered. A big wine lover’s delight. $75, 15.5% ABV
Fourth Cup: Golan Heights Winery, Hermon, Mt. Hermon Moscato
Finishing out the evening with a full cup of wine is no easy task for many, so fear not, The Kosher Decanter has a fun trick for you. Let’s go light, sweet and bubbly.
For those who want to maintain the custom of all red wines, this wine will work equally well with a touch of grape juice or red wine added for color. Sounds sacrilegious but Moscato is a low alcohol, sweet and effervescent wine produced from Muscat Canelli grapes in the north of Israel.
Moscato is perfect as an apertif, or in this case, the last call before singing Chad Gadya, and stumbling off to bed. $14, 6% ABV
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and kosher Passover. Next year in Jerusalem!
The Kosher Decanter, Dr. Kenneth Friedman, is a wine writer and kosher food and wine consultant and produces and consults on unique food and wine events. He writes on kosher wine, food, and spirits on Instagram @kosherwinetastings.
David Hertz's entire adult life has been focused on food. But what interests this Jewish chef from Brazil most is using food as a tool to alleviate poverty and address social injustice.
Dara Bunjon talks with Daniel Auld and David Fullner of Kekoa Foods about their organic baby food pouches (and why adults are enjoying them too!).
While Boardwalk Fries opens a new spot in Owings Mills, Doozy’s Diner demonstrates why it’s got game. Randi Rom shares a roundup of local restaurant news and notes.
This gluten-free chocolate babka recipe from Orly Gottesman is just as sweet, gooey and indulgent as the original.