This Saturday, March 27, 2021, marks the first evening of Passover. Wine plays an integral role in the Seder meal, as participants drink the Four Cups of Passover. Each cup represents an expression of deliverance promised by God – the Cup of Sanctification, the Cup of Deliverance, the Cup of Redemption and the Cup of Praise. Beyond the Seder itself, observers typically consume ‘Kosher for Passover’ wines throughout the holiday.
KOSHER VS. KOSHER FOR PASSOVER
Kosher wines are produced in a manner that is approved to be in accordance with Jewish Dietary Laws. Wines are handled only by religious Jewish people during winemaking, and no animal based additives are used although egg is considered acceptable. Kosher for Passover indicates wine that has not come into contact with bread, grain, or products made with leavened dough (you guessed it, pretty much all wines fit this description!). Most Kosher wines are also ‘Kosher for Passover.’
If you’re in the market for Kosher for Passover wines, CORK has you covered! Check out our selections below and shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM. If you prefer, reserve online for easy pick up.
GILGAL CHARDONNAY
Gilgal wines are premium, quality aged varietal wines from Golan Heights Winery in Israel which are fruit forward and expressive. Gilgal Chardonnay is made from grapes sourced exclusively from vineyard sites in the northern Goan Heights, the winery’s coolest sites. Medium-bodied, fresh and flavorful with notes of bright pear, lemon, apple and tropical fruit, all with a background of subtle spice and French oak.
GALIL MOUNTAIN WINERY SAUVIGNON BLANC AND ROSÉ
Sitting in a breathtaking spot atop the Upper Galilee mountain range, this boundary-pushing winery is committed to revitalizing the region’s rich history of winemaking. Over 2,000 years ago, the mountain range was a choice location for the cultivation of quality grapevines.
Bright yellowish in color, Galil Mountain Winery Sauvignon Blanc displays prominent notes of passion fruit, lychee, fig and feijoa, with a background of citrus and cut grass. With gentle and balanced acidity, this summery and flavorful wine exhibits a long and mischievous finish.
As opposed to in previous vintages, the 2020 release of Galil Mountain Winery Rosé features the grapes of Provence – Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Dry and lively with attractive aromas of fresh strawberry, rose petals, citrus fruit and spices.
YARDEN MERLOT
Yarden is the premier label and flagship brand of Golan Heights Winery. Each year the finest grapes from the best vineyards are reserved for Yarden wines. Yarden Merlot is produced from fruit harvested from vineyards in the central and northern Golan Heights and one vineyard in the Upper Galilee, areas known for producing outstanding Merlot over the past two decades. Aged in French oak barrels (40% of which are new) for 18 months, Yarden Merlot offers aromas of fresh herbs, tangerine, cedar and earth. This is a full-bodied and flavorful Merlot with ripe red and black fruit on the palate.
“ELIJAH’S FIFTH CUP” CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Winemaker and entrepreneur Bruce Schneider teamed up with Chateau Chizay in the Transcarpathia region of Western Ukraine, on the border of Hungary. The region’s wine industry dates back to the 13th century, but in the 1980’s the industry was decimated by Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol initiatives. “Elijah’s Fifth Cup” is an homage not only to the area, which is undergoing a winemaking renaissance of sorts, but also to Schneider’s Ukrainian grandparents. Lush and velvety on the palate, this unoaked Cabernet has juicy fruit with flavors and aromas of red berries with hints of vanilla.
