Throughout history, wine has been at the centre of ritual Jewish life and that’s no different in today’s world. But what makes a wine kosher? Grapes are always kosher in their natural state, but the ingredients involved in the production sometimes aren’t. In order for your favourite wines to adhere to Jewish law, the manufacturing process differs slightly to non-kosher wines.
To ensure a wine is completely kosher, a Sabbath-observant person must handle the entire process, from the crushing of grapes to the final bottling. Fining agents are used by some winemakers to remove the unwanted aspects of a wine, including clarification for colour, aroma, or bitterness. Kosher winemakers choose to use mineral materials as an alternative to traditional non-kosher fining agents, such as bentonite clay and charcoal carbon to perfect their wine. In recent years, natural winemaking processes have risen significantly, with winemakers forgoing fining agents in pursuit of the most natural final product.
Here’s our pick of a few exciting kosher wines to enjoy over the Yom Tovs.
Flam Rosé | Kosher Wine Cellar | £34.99
With Cabernet Franc grapes grown in the heart of the Judean Hills in Israel, this rosé is an amazing addition to your new year celebrations. It’s light, almost translucent, appearance is home to a citrusy aroma that’s packed with lots of grapefruit and nectarine. Great with lighter dishes such as fish and grilled vegetables.
Baron Herzog Chardonnay | The Grapevine | £16.99
This Chardonnay produced by Baron Herzog is a blend of Central Coast and Russian River Chardonnay grapes which give it a lush and complex flavour. It displays notes of apple, tropical fruit, and citrus, with a hint of vanilla on the finish. An ideal accompaniment with fish and chicken that should be served slightly chilled.
Botteotto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo | Honest Grapes | £22.70
This fruity and spicy red wine is packed with flavour, including hints of chocolate, barrels, cherries, plums, and herbs. The Montepulciano grape has many strong qualities such as strength, exuberance, vitality, balance, and depth, making this wine best to pair with rich, savoury dishes to enhance big and bold flavours.
Mogen David Pomegranate Dessert Wine | Ace Market | £9.99
The perfect accompaniment to desserts due to its sweetness, Mogen David pomegranate wine is a fruity wine made from pomegranates with a bright, tart flavour with hints of berry and citrus. This tipple isn’t out of place beside fruit tarts, chocolate, and cheesecake, or on its own as an after-dinner sipper.