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Kosher Wine

As Passover approaches, kosher wines become the focus of some wine buyers. But, what is kosher wine and how does it differ from non-kosher, everyday wine? First off, kosher simply means fit and proper. Simply put, it refers to strict laws that govern the cleanliness, supervision and processing of food products destined for kosher households.

There was a time when a kosher wine was a sweet liquid, made from the Concord grape almost exclusively in New York State. But, that has changed drastically, with modern kosher wines practically indistinguishable from wine made using conventional methods.

With kosher wine making, the grapes can be grown by anyone, kosher or not. But, once the grapes begin the winemaking process, only rabbinical supervisors are allowed to handle the liquids from the moment the grapes are crushed all the way to the actual sealing of the bottle and cork.

The equipment the grapes are crushed in, all equipment for that matter, must be steam cleaned three times and with the open flame of a blow torch if requested. Even the barrels used for aging the wine must be new and used only for kosher wines. Furthermore, no animal products are allowed in the winemaking process, which eliminates the use of egg whites to help filter the sediment from the wine. Instead, bentonite, a clay material, is employed to drag any sediment to the bottom of the barrel.

Religious purity is of utmost importance to observant Jews. For a wine to retain its kosherness, regardless of who pours it, the most correct and fit kosher wines follow Mevushal, which translates as "cooked." The term is clearly marked on bottles and signifies a process wherein the wine passes through a flash heat pasteurizing process raising the liquid to at least 185 degrees, then rapidly cooling it. When the wine label lists Mevushal, it’s the ultimate kosher application.

Finally, it’s written that kosher wine making laws are the oldest in existence, predating guidelines for appellation control set up centuries later by European countries.

One of the finer kosher wines to choose from is a bottle of Baron Herzog 2002 Central Coast Merlot from California. Once poured into a big glass, the garnet red liquid might show a bit of sediment, normal for wine, which is lightly filtered. The nose surrenders strawberries accentuated with a touch of wood, plum and distant soy sauce.

Crisp acidity is evident on the palate with layers of oak, leather and dark, ripe cherries. A crisp, dry finish completes the tasting experience.

This California kosher red wine is great with lamb and even grilled chicken.

"Wine nourishes, refreshes, and cheers…Wherever wine is lacking, medicines become necessary." From "The Talmud"

Posted by Floyd at April 22, 2005 10:52 AM