On Friday, April 3, the Jewish people will begin celebrating the Passover holiday. Recently Lowell attorney Phil Nyman inquired as to what Kosher wines are sold locally to accompany the holiday dinner, or seder. According to Jewish custom, four glasses of wine per person are consumed during the dinner.
Kosher wines are not just for the holidays. In fact, modern wine-making techniques have changed the quality and character of the products to the point that kosher wines are enjoyed all year round. Well-appointed wine shops are now carrying Kosher wines from producers in Israel, Chile, Australia, Italy and the United States.
One of the best producers is Herzog Wine Cellars, located in Oxnard, Calif. The Herzog family fled Nazi Germany during World War II and emigrated to New York City, where they made made wines in Lower Manhattan. The family found success with their creations, and eventually built a beautiful all purpose winery in Oxnard, featuring tasting rooms and a Mediterranean-style restaurant — Tierra Sur — whose ingredients come from local farmers. The winery’s grounds are absolutely gorgeous — as are the wines. The public is invited to visit daily.
Baron Herzog Chardonnay is one of the kosher wines selected by my panel of experts for Passover. But remember, you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy these wines, which are sold locally at the wine shops listed below.
At Harrington’s Liquors, Chelmsford:
• Lanzur Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, $10.95 — Intense ruby color, bouquet of mature red fruit, and palate of concentrated red fruits, plum and chocolate.
• Borgo Del Reale Pinot Grigio, $15.95, Italy — From the Veneto region in northern Italy comes this mouth-watering white wine. It is dry and full of fresh white fruits. Mevushal and Kosher for Passover.
• Teal Lake Shiraz, $13.95, Australia — This premium Shiraz shows an intensely spicy, fragrant bouquet together with stylishly elegant berry fruit flavors on the palate.
• Bartenura Moscato, Italy, $16.95 —Crisp, refreshing and semi-sweet with lingering pear, tangerine, nectar and melon flavors. Perfect with dessert or fresh fruit. Look for the elegant blue bottle.
• Baron Herzog Chardonnay, $14.95, California — A wonderfully crafted wine of floral aromas and notes of peach, pear and citrus with hints of toasty vanilla oak. Soft in texture and refreshing on the finish.
At the Wine ConneXtion, Andover
• Lanzur Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile — See notes above.
• Kinneret Chardonnay, 12.99, Israel — Sun-soaked Ella Valley produces perfectly ripe fruit. Expect a pear and tropical fruit bouquet that gives way to fresh melon flavors and other riches. Best for cooked fish in sauce and poultry dishes.
• Borgo Reale Rosso, $12.99, Italy — A full-bodied blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in French oak delivers ripe cherry/ strawberry aromas and flavors with a tinge of vanilla on the finish.
• Teperberg Meritage, $18.99, Israel — A noble Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the lush Judean Hills. Rich in cherry and blackberry, it’s balanced for a satisfyingly long and elegant finish.
Andrea DiFiore, Andover Classic Wines
North Andover
• O’dwayers Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $14.99 — Mouth filling and sweet-fruited with punchy ripe flavors of passion fruit and limes. Boasts a crisp, balanced finish.
• Guillermo Pinot Noir 2012, $9.99 — Bright, red cherry and red plum fruit flavors on the palate show good freshness. High acidity. A good food wine!
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