Top 5 Kosher Wines On the Market

First things first: What is kosher wine? It’s made like any other table wine, but there are an extra set of rules to make it consistent with Jewish dietary law. In order for a wine to be deemed kosher, it must be made under the supervision of a rabbi. This type of wine must contain only kosher ingredients, meaning no preservatives or artificial colors may be added, and it must be processed using equipment rabbinically certified to make kosher wines. The wine can only be handled – from the vine to the wineglass – by Sabbath-observant Jews, unless the wine is mevushal.

Now you may be wondering, what is mevushal? Unlike ordinary kosher wines, this type of wine can be handled and served by non-Jews. In order for a wine to be deemed mevushal, it must be heated to 185 degrees F. Don’t worry, this doesn’t harm the wine’s flavor.

1. Hevron Heights Special Reserve 2007 – OU
   This award-winning wine is made of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Shiraz. This rare wine displays the rich varietal flavors of carefully hand selected grapes, delicately balanced by the savory finish of French oak barrels. The best way to serve this wine is to open it and decant at least a half hour before you plan to drink it. Serving at room temperature is a must for maximum taste.
2. Shiloh Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – OK
   This is another award-winning wine, and it is also mevushal. It is quite dark and mysterious, but it reveals all its secrets to the wine connoisseur with the patience to savor it slowly. This wine has aromas of very ripe black fruit, blueberry, cassis and pepper in the background, and a rich bouquet of tobacco and coffee. It has intense fruit flavors and black plum, with a long finish. Stews, roasted meat or aged cheeses make the best pairings.
3. Castel Grand Vin 2010 – OK
   This wine is made of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. It is full-bodied, bold, concentrated, and has layer after layer of aromas and flavors that linger on. You can expect notes of currants, cherries, plums, and spices on the palate, with hints of cedar. The best pairings include full flavored beef or chicken dishes.
4. Terra di Seta Chianti Classico 2009 – OK
   This wine is not called “Classico” for nothing. Only Tuscan wines from grapes grown on the absolute best vineyard land in Chianti can bear that label. This wine is made of  95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, from organically grown grapes. It is medium-bodied with a bright ruby red hue, and combines softness, elegance and typical territorial through a rich bouquet. It has hints of fruity fruity flavors like cherry, berry and violet. You will definitely want to enjoy this with classic Tuscan foods like pappardelle pasta with a rich meat ragu or bistecca fiorentina.
5. Flam Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – OK
   This dry red wine is made of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. It is the result of the efforts to grow the best grapes and to preserve the purity and softness of the fruit. The palate is generous and balanced with ripe fruit, soft spice and a good tannic structure. This wine pairs well with a lamb shoulder marinated with rosemary, tyme, and hibiscus.

When browsing the kosher aisle of your local wine shop, check the bottle for these trusted kosher certifications:

• OU – accepted by the Union of Orthodox Rabbis (may be shown as an “O” surrounding the letter ‘U”)
• OK – OK Kosher Certification
• Certified by the Chief Rabbinate