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A key characteristic of kosher wine is that it is made by Jews who observe Shabbat. In addition, the vine must be four years old before berries are harvested from it, and all ingredients must be of vegetable origin.
For Israeli wines, another rule applies – the “Sabbath year”, when the soil is given a rest. Every seventh year is counted from the day of the entry of the Jewish people into Israel. It is called “Saturday”.
Barkan, Semillon Monfort
White semi-dry, 11%.
The production is located in Israel, the Barkan company has existed since 1899. Its founder is Solomon Friedman. In 1990, it was bought out by Shmoel Boxer and Yair Lerner. So she got the name Barkan Wine Cellars. Today, the winery is one of the largest in the country, a quarter of the shares are owned by the state. It is in constant development, investing in the construction of new plants and the purchase of vineyards.
At the heart of the wine variety Semillon. Nice straw color. Lightweight and elegant. The taste combines fruity and floral tones, as well as balanced acidity. The aroma reveals pear, lemon and floral notes. The aftertaste is soft.
Bartenura, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT
White dry, 11,5%.
The winery is named after Rabbi and interpreter of the Mishnah Ovadia ben Avraham. He was known by the nickname “Bartenura”, consonant with the Italian city of Bertinoro, where he comes from. The enterprise still observes the legendary traditions of its country to this day. Of the entire line of wines, kosher ones were in especially high demand. They were bought by American Jews in the 1980s and 1990s. Not a single religious holiday, whether Rosh Hashanah or Passover, passed without a prominent blue bottle.
The drink is created in the Veneto region from Pinot Grigio. Light golden. Balanced dry taste framed with hints of lemon peel, herbs and white fruits, with refreshing acidity. The aroma is woven from fruits, herbs and minerals.
Recanati, Special Reserve (kosher)
Red dry, 13,8%.
Recanati has been in existence since 2000. Its creation was carried out by a community of enthusiasts, led by Lenny Recanata. The producer was aimed at producing Israeli wines of good quality at an affordable price. The plant was located in the Hefer Valley, Israel, and was equipped with the latest technology. All wines are certified kosher and are closely monitored by Rabbi Weiss. He holds the position of head of the Orthodox Union. Products are both supplied to boutiques and restaurants within the country and are exported.
The wine is included in the leading Special Reserve Series and is recognized as its flagship. Its blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and about 8% Merlot. Noble ruby color. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. The flavor bouquet reveals herbal, peppery, chocolate and fruit shades. It smells of black berries, roasted coffee and chocolate with hints of tobacco.
Hafner, «Old Vienna Composition» Pinot Gris
White dry, 11,5%.
Winery Hafner was founded in the XIX century in the famous wine region of Burgenland, Austria. It is distinguished by a unique climate and a large amount of sun. Viticulture has flourished here since the Middle Ages. The “Old Vienna Composition” line was released in 1999 and was dedicated to the centenary of the Austrian composer J. Strauss, the recognized “king of the waltz”. The label depicts a monument to the maestro, which stands in Vienna, his small homeland.
Pinot Gris for wine is grown in Burgenland. Any additives and products of animal origin are excluded. Graceful balanced taste surprises with fruit nuances and refined character. All this is also read in a long aftertaste. Delicate aroma absorbed fruity-floral notes and the sweetness of honey and caramel.
Abrau-Durso
Sparkling white semi-sweet, 12%.
Abrau-Dyurso wine house was founded in 1870 by decree of Alexander II. The Black Sea climate and soils were ideal for still and sparkling wines. Then they began to grow classic European varieties. Kosher wine was released only in 2018 as part of the Russian Champagne series. The correctness of production is carefully monitored by representatives of the kashrut department under the Chief Rabbinate of Russia.
The drink has a golden color and active bubbles. The bouquet opens with citrus fruits, pears and apples. It has a deep fruity aroma and a long aftertaste.
Relevance: 18.07.2020
Tags: wine and vermouth