As you prepare for Rosh Hashanah, you have likely been focused on your menu and all the traditional foods to eat such as tzimmes, kugel, challah, apples and honey and brisket. But the wine you serve with those beloved foods is just as important. I have put together 10 wines – 5 kosher, and 5 not – that will pair perfectly with your holiday menus. And especially your holiday brisket.
If you have trouble finding any of these wines here are some grape varieties that always work well, so just ask your local wine person for a good one.
Syrah: Northern France, Hunter Valley Australia, or Washington State.
Grenache and its blends: Jumilla and Languedoc Roussillon.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Alexander Valley, Maipo Valley, and Friuli.
Kosher Wine Suggestions
1. Ramon Cardova Rioja, Spain 2013 $16(Kosher/Mevushal)
Black fruits on the nose that follow thru to the palate with lingering acidity and savory flavors. Available online or at kosherwine.com (Web), Wine Library (NJ), Sherry-Lehmann (NY), and Astor wines (NY) prices and vintages may vary.
2. Cellar de Capçanes “Peraj Petita” Montsant, Spain 2013 $20(Kosher/Mevushal)
Rich dark fruits with plenty of depth and chewy powerful tannins that can take on a weighty brisket. Available online or at Astor wines (NY), Chamber Street Wines (NY), Flatiron Wine and Spirits (NY), and Gothamwines.com (NY) prices and vintages may vary.
3. Domaine Brunan Mas de la Rouviere Bandol Rose, Provence, France 2014 $25 (Kosher)
Bright wild cherry, strawberry and watermelon rind. A dry rose with plenty of minerality and tea notes on the finish. A solid rose. Available online or at Westside Wine and Spirits (NY), Mister Wrights Fine Wine (NY), Gotham Wines & Liquors (NY) prices and vintages may vary.
4. Barons de Rothschild Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France 2012 $34-$55 (Kosher/Mevushal)
Brooding aromas of cassis, black currant and tobacco. Deep and smooth through the mid-palate with lingering tannins on the long finish. Drinks like a $55-$70 Bordeaux. Available online or at Astor wines (NY), Sherry-Lehmann (NY), Jwines.com (web), Le Du’s Wines (NY for older vintages) prices and vintages may vary.
5. Harkham Wines Aziza’s Shiraz No Sulfites Detected, Hunter Valley, Australia 2009-2013 $36 (Kosher)
This wine is made by an Israeli family who moved to Australia to start one of the first kosher wineries. It is also organic. A combination of the fruit of Australian Shiraz and the Earth of Cornas in the Northern Rhone region of France. Available online or at Columbus Wine & Spirits (NY), Violetta Wines (NY), Rosetta Wines (NY) price and vintage will vary.
Non-Kosher Wine Suggestions
1. Brea Cabernet Sauvignon, Margarita Vineyards, Paso Robles, California 2012 $26
Medium bodied and full of cassis and pepper. With hints of fruit and balanced acidity and tannins. From wine maker Chris Brockway some one to know in California. Available online or at Wine Library (NJ), Chamber Street Wine (NY), Princeton Corkscrew (NJ), prices and vintages may vary.
2. Thymiopoulos “Young Vines” Xinomavro, Naoussa, Greece 2010-2013 $20
Loaded with dark complex fruits and earthy spices big tannins and great mineraliy, with a floral touch. Recommended decanting. Available online or at BigNoseFullBody.com (NY), Carlo Russo Wines (NJ), Wine.com (web), Flat Iron Wine and Spirits (NY), and White Horse Wine and Spirits (NJ) prices and vintages may vary.
3. Domaine A. et P. de Villaine Aligote Bouzeron, Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France 2010-2013 $30
The co-owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Aubert de Villaine owns and runs this domaine with his wife Pamela. The wine is full and bright with lots of citrus fruit and plenty of surprisingly powerful acidity. A white wine perfect for heavier meats. Available online or at Chelsea Wine Vault (NY), Vintry Fine Wines (NY), Columbus Wine and Spirits (NY) prices and vintages may vary.
4. Chateau d’Oupia Minervois, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2012-13 $11
Wild berry aromas with hints of earth. Dark fruit flavors with lots more leather and savory notes. Available online or at WineWorksOnline (NJ), Laurenti Wines (NJ), PJ Wine (NY), and 67 Wine & Spirits (NY) prices and vintages may vary.
5. CVNE Vina Real Crianza Rioja, Spain 2010 $15
Medium body. Cherries, currants and earthy flavors on a medium finish. Available online or at WineWorks Online (NJ), Central Wine Merchants (NJ), PJ Wines (NY), and EmpireWine.com (NY).
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kosher
Pronounced: KOH-sher, Origin: Hebrew, adhering to kashrut, the traditional Jewish dietary laws.
