Last month I was asked to create a top 10 kosher wine list for gayot.com. Frankly, I dreaded the assignment. Most of the wines marketed as kosher I’d tried in the past were either foxy or tasted dead, dull and flat. But when I started the research for my story, I was shocked by the number of fine wines now on the market from which to choose. Although I made a list of 10, there was definitely a short list of 5 I would love to drink again, kosher or not. Here are my five favorite kosher wines. Mazel tov!
Teal Lake
2008 Sparkling Muscat
Australia
Teal Lake is one of Australia’s premiere kosher wineries. It is known for Cab, Merlot and Chardonnay, but its most talked about wine is it’s most unique, a sparkling wine made from the Muscat grape. The wine is fresh with sweet and tart flavors of orange blossom, ripe melon and candied lemon.
Goose Bay
2008 Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
New Zealand isn’t necessarily known for kosher wines but it is certainly known for Sauvignon Blanc. Fortunately, there is one winery gaining an international reputation for both. With its gooseberry and cut grass aromas, biting lemon acidity and cleansing finish, this wine represents the best attributes of NZ Sauvignon Blanc.
Elvi Wines
EL26
Spain
Elvi is a family-owned operation dedicated to the production of kosher still and sparkling wines in Spain. The company’s signature red is created from an earthy blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cab and Merlot with tart cranberry and cherry acidity and fine-grain, drying tannins.
Domaine du Castel
2007 Grand Vin
Israel
Domaine du Castel could easily be mistaken for a family-owned French winery with its values and focus on Bordeaux varietals. But it is actually one of Israel’s premiere producers. Its Bordeaux-style red blend has been referred to as the “greatest kosher wine in the world.” We like it for its good balance, blackberry and bramble flavors, ripe tannins and lingering finish.
Baron Herzog
2009 Late Harvest Chenin Blanc
California
The Herzog family has been making wine for over a century. In 1985, they established their California winery and quickly rose to the top of the kosher market. Today they offer wines in a wide variety styles, including a critically acclaimed Chenin Blanc dessert wine. Subtly sweet, the wine offers delicate orange blossom, apricot, white peach and lemon zest flavors with a lingering dried fruit finish.
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