This Purim, kosher wine expert Gabriel Geller of Kedem Wines shares his top picks of some tasty tipples.
With Purim just around the corner on 1st March, now is the perfect time to stock up on a tipple that will blur the lines between good and evil! Here’s a curated selection of delicious kosher wines to get you in the spirit.
1848 Winery | Orient, 2022
‘Orient’ is a Mediterranean blend named in reference to the Middle East. It’s a food-friendly, medium-bodied red with juicy notes of blackberry, cherry, clove, and nutmeg. Its lively acidity and soft tannins make it a great match for grilled veal chops or dark meat chicken.
Terra di Seta | Guiduccio, Toscana IGT, 2020
This flagship wine from the celebrated estate in the heart of Tuscany is a blend of Sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. It marries the vibrant character of Italian wines with the elegance and polished power of Bordeaux.
Expect concentrated notes of red and black forest berries that are accented by hints of fine balsamic and black truffle. It’s an iron fist in a velvet glove – rich and expressive now, with the potential to evolve beautifully over the next decade if cellared properly.
Shiloh | Secret reserve, 2023
While I like serving or gifting lesser-known wines, sometimes you need a bottle with strong brand recognitions – something that’s on every store shelf and restaurant list. Shiloh’s secret reserve cabernet sauvignon fits the bill perfectly, consistently delivering style and quality.
This full-bodied cabernet is rich and layered, with ripe notes of blackberry, black cherry, toasted oak, black liquorice, and espresso. Chewy tannins and a plush, lingering finish make it a wine that practically demands a hearty meat pairing.
Herzog | Special reserve Russian River, 2023
Like the Shiloh, Herzog’s Russian River chardonnay is a well-known and widely appreciated white wine. It’s a classic California barrel-aged chardonnay, offering creamy textures and aromas of lemon, tart apple, vanilla bourbon, and a touch of nuttiness. Generous and concentrated, it pairs beautifully with veal roast, baked salmon, or ahi tuna steak.
Château Gazin Rocquencourt | Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, 2023
One of the finest white wines available, this Bordeaux Blanc is robust yet refined. It’s less opulent than the Herzog, with high acidity that balances the creaminess from malolactic fermentation and oak aging.
Expect intense notes of citrus, white peach, and tart pear, complemented by subtle hints of fresh almond and earthy minerality. It’s an excellent match for tartare – either salmon, tuna, or beef – or even a plate of crispy latkes.
