Uncorked
For 2,000 years, wine has featured prominently in the Judeo-Christian faiths. In Jewish tradition, wine is a symbol of joy and plays an integral role at wedding ceremonies, weekly Shabbat and the Seder dinner at Passover. In Judaism, wine symbolises God's creation and his provision of life. The Old Testament psalms declare, 'Wine maketh glad the heart of man'.
In accordance with Jewish dietary law, kosher wine is served at devotional observances. Historically, many kosher wines were sweet, often made from fruit and raisins. Early kosher wines in the United States were produced from an indigenous Concord grape, resulting in a sweet, grape-flavoured drop that was a lousy food match.
These days, winemakers around the world are also producing fine, dry kosher wines, ranging from chardonnay to shiraz. Kosher wines are made exactly the same way as all other table wines, except that, from crush to corking, the manufacturing process is supervised by a rabbi. Yeasts and other aids used during production must also be kosher.
Many winemakers produce kosher wines exclusively. Others, such as Mouton Cadet ($295), offer kosher wine as part of their general portfolio. Most kosher wines display a circle-U symbol on the label guaranteeing the wine has been produced according to kosher law. The letter 'P' may be noted next to the symbol. This is a higher level of kosher certification and guarantees the wine has been produced without any grain products, rendering it suitable for Passover Seder.
For bright, fresh flavours, fill your kiddush cup with Baron Herzog's chenin blanc ($120). This wine's fine, light character is marked by floral and grapefruit aromas and is an easy match for gefilte fish. Baron Herzog chardonnay ($175) is a classic Californian tipple, with attractive oak flavours and a rich mouthful of fruit, apples and caramel - a perfect pairing for roast chicken. If forgoing leavened bread leaves you craving morning toast, open a bottle of the toasty Fortant chardonnay ($175), from Vin de Pays d'Oc, France. Or, with roasted shank bone, serve Fortant's merlot ($175). The wine is subtle and layered with earthy black truffle aromas and supported by gentle astringency. And for loads of blueberry and spice, open a bottle of Beckett's Flat shiraz ($250). It is soft, delicious and ready to drink. The wines are available at the Jewish Community Centre, Robinson Road, so don't pass them by.
