Only Kosher Wine

Kosher Wine Spritzers; Now In Red!

2010-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Perhaps you think of kosher wine spritzers as always being on the lighter end of the wine palette/palate -- an affair strictly for white wines and blushes. But I beg to differ!

In the French restaurant I waited tables in for most of my twenties, my manager, Armand, introduced me to my first kosher wine spritzer, the "Rouge Limon." (Well, his version wasn't kosher, but mine's evolved that way.) He would stand languidly at the bar, pour himself half a glass of red wine, then top it off with soda water and a twist of lime. "We call it 'rouge limon'," he said, and I knew enough of the language to see why.

Then, of course, he would go into a tirade about how the tables were set, or how the bechamel was not quite right. I'm not complaining. We knew he meant it in love. And that job was where I learned everything I know about wine. I still have the corkscrew I carried in my apron, and use it when I'm especially in need of good luck.

Then my brother married a beautiful woman from Madrid, and she introduced me to the Calimocho (also spelled Kalimotxo), a 50/50 mixture of red wine and Coca-Cola. I was initially horrified, but her tales of being a teenager in Spain charmed me into trying it, and I admit to making it my kosher wine spritzer of choice every so often. If I want a kick of caffeine, say, or this past week when Spain beat Uruguay in the World Cup match (!).

Viva Espana -- and the sparkly red glass in my hand!

A Sweet Treat For Lovers Of Kosher Wine

2010-07-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

As a kosher wine lover, maybe you're shied away from harder alcohol for various reasons. You weren't sure if it was kosher, for one, and for another, maybe you like your drinks a little bit on the sweet side.

(Actually, kosher wine has come so far and gotten so good, it's been a long time since the term instantly brought to mind the sweet kosher wines of yesteryear--but I digress. Sweets for the sweet, is all I mean.)

If that first paragraph tugged at some yearning deep inside you, or even just piqued your interest, let me introduce you to your new best friend. This summer, be inseparable with Me Oko Vodka in strawberry flavor.

Me Oko is serious, hand-crafted vodka, but don't let that intimidate you. Richly accented natural infusions of strawberry make this Me Oko vodka the most approachable and tasty ever. One sip will alert your palate to something ultra-refined and truly different.

Me Oko is what those of us who love big natural flavors have been hoping for, a super-refined, multi-distilled vodka with very forward flavor notes and a long finish. It's kosher, as promised, and as a bonus, gluten-free!

Kosher Wine Tasting Tips: Sight, Smell, Touch, Taste

2010-06-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Although they seem one in the same, tasting a kosher wine isn’t the same as drinking it. It really experience the true flavor of a kosher wine, you have to really hone in on your senses. These senses are sight, smell, touch and of course, taste.

Sight: Look at the wine. Hold it up to the light. The best way is to tilt the wine in a glass and look at it against a white background.

Smell: To determine a kosher wine’s aroma, swirl the wine vigorously in the glass. As the wine coats the sides of the glass it releases its wonderful bouquet. At the top of the glass, they’re usually more fruity, and deeper into the glass they are richer and more woody.

Touch: No, not with your fingers—with your tongue. How does the wine feel in your mouth? Is it soft or brisk? Does it have a refreshing zing around your tongue? Tannins used in red wines will feel sort of prickly on your tongue. The ideal touch is a velvety feeling in your mouth.

Taste: Finally, after you’ve used your other sense your ready to taste. Take a small amount, swirl it in your mouth lightly so all your taste buds are exposed, then keep it there for a brief period. You can study the taste by comparing to what your other sense experienced and then either spit it out, or drink it so you can experience the finish.

3 Kosher Wines on Sale You Must Try

2010-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

What’s better than kosher wine? The answer is kosher wine that’s on sale! But this isn’t your average discount wine, the wines available at discounted prices are of the highest quality and are sure to please even the most pickiest of palates. Here are three different varietals available in the sale section at OnlyKosherWine.com:

Baron Herzog Late Harvest Chenin Blanc: Late harvest is usually an indication of dessert wine, because the grape has been left on the vine longer, allowing it fully ripen. This Chenin Blanc is full-bodied, sweet yet balanced and perfect for a hot summer day.

Ramon Cardova Rioja: Spain is famous for its Rioja wines and this Ramon Cardova is a wonderful example of this genre. It’s made from 100% Tempranillo grapes that were carefully selected from old vines that surround the town of Haro, La Rioja. This dry red is perfect for pairing with red meats, fish and soft light cheeses.

Weinstock Cella Select Chardonnay: This spectacular Chardonnay displays notes of citrus, apple, pear, and subtle tropical fruit with oak undertones. This kosher wine goes great with white meat dishes, or pasta dishes with light sauces.

If You Can’t Get Enough Kosher Wine, Join the Kosher Wine Society

2010-06-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

In the U.S. wine events are everywhere, bringing enthusiasts together to sip and sample quality vintages while enjoying each other’s company. Being that wine is an integral part of Jewish communal life, the founders of Kosher Wine Society found it odd that opportunities for members of the Jewish community to enjoy similar social, wine centered events really didn’t exist.That led to the start of KWS.

Founded in 2005, The Kosher Wine Society is a membership-based organization comprised of kosher wine enthusiasts from varying backgrounds, lifestyles and age-groups That all changed when KWS formed and they strive to create the best wine-centered social events. At KWS it’s all about tasting, comparing and discussing.

It’s a great opportunity to meet people, try new wines and truly understand kosher wine in a way that many people really don’t get. The group hosts public as well as private kosher wine tastings, wine and food pairing dinners, wine workshops, fundraisers, corporate events, and Kerem New York—a monthly business networking event for members. Basic membership is free and doesn’t expire and a Drinkers & Tasters membership is $50 for a year. To read the more about KWS and the perks of membership, feel free to go to Kosherwinesociety.com.

Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wine is a Must-Have

2010-06-07T09:00:00.004-04:00

The first way to learn about kosher wines from the region of Israel is to, obviously, taste them. The second way is to read about them. And when you do the two at the same time, you could very well become a kosher wine connoisseur. The perfect book to get all your Israeli wine facts is Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wines, available at OnlyKosherWine.com. The book is the definitive guide to this world’s fastest growing region of quality kosher wines.

The guide is now in its fifth year of publication and every year, it only gets better. It contains detailed information on 175 wineries, a tasting chart where you can pencil in your own ratings, contact info for each winery listed, and almost 1,800 wines tasted and colorfully reviewed and described. The guide also noted which of the Israel’s extensive wines are indeed kosher wines and even goes into detail on what exactly makes a wine kosher. There is also an interesting discussion on whether there is a contradiction between quality wine and kosher wine. If you’re interested in visiting the region, there is even a chapter on tourism at the wineries and a guide to tasting wines.

Sake at OnlyKosherWine.com

2010-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sake has been around for nearly 2,000 years and up until about 20 years ago, was produced solely in Japan. Nowadays, you can find in around the corner from the kosher wine at the liquor store, as sake is immensely popular. As tradition, Sake is generally served as an aperitif before a meal. When serving sake as an aperitif, it is customary to use a serving set consisting of a small pitcher, and several small cups that look like little bowls.

Another fun fact about serving sake is that it’s traditional to serve others, you never serve yourself. The server holds the pitcher with both hands while the person receiving the sake holds their cup up with one hand and supports the bottom of the cup with the other hand. In many social settings, this tradition is observed in the first round of drinks. If you are drinking your sake warm, it’s customary to serve it in a ceramic set while if you’re drinking it chilled, you should serve it in a wooden set. In addition to drinking sake the traditional way, you can use it to craft delicious cocktails. Here’s a quick recipe:

Tokyo Rose
•        1 oz. sake
•        1 oz. vodka
•        1 oz. melon liqeur
•        1 cherry

Combine ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes and mix well. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

For some delicious flavored sake and all things kosher wine related, visit OnlyKosherWine.com!

Love Kosher Wine? Get a Soirée!

2010-05-17T09:00:00.011-04:00

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a kosher wine snob, or anyone who loves a nice glass of kosher wine, you should most definitely look into getting a wine Soirée. Most wine drinkers are familiar with wine decanters. They are a way to aerate your wine before serving to bring out maximum flavor and aroma. When wine is in the bottle it is hibernating in a sense and it needs oxygen to interact with the molecules and make the notes, flavors and aromas more pronounced and easy to detect.

However, a standard decanter just doesn’t compare to the Soirée in terms of maximizing aeration and enhancing your wine’s attributes. When you use a regular decanter, you have to wait 45 minutes for the wine to really open and oxidize, not to mention they are a little difficult to pour. Thanks to the unique design of the Soirée’s aeration chamber, the wine begins oxidizing as soon as you start to pour. No waiting necessary! And the best part is, it fits securely into the bottle so pouring is a snap.

Decanting is actually a classical term that refers to removing sediment from wine. Thanks to modern wine, the sediment get’s filtered off, so in reality, the decanter isn’t specifically for aeration purposes. However, the Soirée was crafted specifically for oxidization and aeration.

So what are you waiting for? Head to OnlyKosherWine.com, pick up a nice bottle of Cabernet and a Soirée for maximum aeration!

Single and Double Malt: What’s the Difference?

2010-05-10T09:00:00.009-04:00

In the world of kosher wines and liquors, there is a lot of terminology thrown around. One of the biggest areas that often need clarification is the distinctions between single and double malt whiskeys. Well here is some information explaining the differences:

A single malt whiskey uses only one strain of malt in the fermentation process. Therefore the malt strain must have enough flavor or the whiskey doesn’t have a good of a taste. It’s difficult to make good single malt because so much is riding on that one strain. Single malts are often more expensive because they are so hard to perfect.

A double malt whiskey uses two malts and they’re blended depending on the maker’s specific recipe. There’s more leeway with creating good double malt because with two malt strains you have more freedom to manipulate the flavor.

If all this talk about single and double malt whiskey has got you craving a delicious drink, be sure to visit your favorite kosher wine and spirits retailer OnlyKosherWine.com.

Stirrings Mixers Make Kosher Cocktails Simple

2010-05-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

Cocktail parties are a fun way to get together with friends and neighbors without having to go through the huge production of hosting a dinner party. Dinner parties, although fun for guests, can put a huge burden on the host. You have to come up with a menu, do the shopping, set up the table with all the right tabletop plates, glasses, flatware, and other accessories, in addition to preparing the food—the most important part.

Dinner parties are truly a juggling act that take a lot of patience and skill. If you want to have guests over without the huge production, you should think about hosting a cocktail party.

Instead of preparing a huge kosher meal, all you would need are some tasty kosher appetizers, a good variety of kosher wine and of course, all the fixings to make kosher cocktails. To simplify the kosher cocktail mixing process, you should look into Stirring Simple mixers. They come in Apple Martini, Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Mojito. All you need are the kosher liquors, the proper glasses, and some ice.

If you need to stock on the jewish wines and kosher liquors and mixers, remember that onlykosherwine.com is the only choice!

Pinot Grigio Is Great

2010-04-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

White kosher wine is perfect for the warmer months of the year. Served chilled, they leave one with a happy, relaxed feeling , without the potential sleepiness of a red, and are great with light fare, or on their own.

Pinot grigio is a particular white kosher wine that deserves a spotlight. Originally a mutant form of the pinot noir grape, the pinot gris relative is grown in abundance in Italy, where it produces the popular Pinot Grigio wine that so many American consumers know and love.

A crisp, dry Jewish wine, the grapes are usually picked early before full acidity is imparted upon reaching ripeness. This wine is great to drink young, and has a clean, short finish, perfect for pairing with seafood. Be sure to avoid pairing it with acidic fruits, like oranges or tomatoes.

This wine is becoming increasingly popular and today is the most imported wine in the United States. Although some sommeliers disdain it for its lack of presence, a good pinot grigio kosher wine can be found. When judging this wine, look for a nose and robust flavors, particularly those of pear or even grapefruit. And if you’re feeling like celebrating, get some champagne, the grigio’s chic French cousin.

Hoorah for Syrah

2010-04-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

Among the many varietals of kosher wine, perhaps one of the most robust reds is the Syrah/Shiraz variety. Originating near the Rhone region of France, legend has it that Syrah obtained its name from the Iranian city Shirazi. Syrah is frequently blended with other bodied varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. With high tannins and deep, complex flavors, Syrah goes well with any red meat dish and is usually best when aged.

Syrah is very full bodied and can have flavors of raspberry, chocolate, espresso, pepper and blackberry. Secondary flavors are imparted from oak case aging and can mellow the primary tones if the wine is aged considerably.

The Syrah/Shiraz distinction can be confusing. Typically Shiraz is a New World wine, commonly produced in Australia. Many of these wines are more fruit-driven, have higher alcohol content, are sweeter, peppery instead of smokey and are enjoyed often when young. Syrah, from France and Old World vineyards is lighter, with less body and fruit, and has more tannins.

This kosher wine is a delicious addition to any hearty meal, or can be enjoyed hearthside. A Jewish wine that can be blended easily and enjoyed readily means accessible flavors and many sub-varieties. The Syrah is a delicious wine to fall in love with.

Malbecs are a Must Have

2010-04-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

As far as kosher wines go, there are numerous varietals. Malbec is an increasingly popular kind of grape used to make red wine. This varietal usually has a darker color and robust tannins.

Particularly, Malbecs are popular in South America where they have come into their own.
Previously, the Malbec grape was blended with Merlot and Tannat to create dark, full bodied wines. Today this thin skinned grape produces juicy, rich and dark red wine that is perfect to pair with red meat like steak and veal. The Argentine variety grows in smaller, tighter bunches than its French relative, which suggests that the original vine clipping brought to South American in the mid 19th century was of a different kind than the dominant kind that grows in France.

If you’re looking for stunning kosher wines, you may like the Gran Malbec Flechas De Los Andes. This Malbec has a beautiful floral bouquet and hints of darker fruit like blackberries, cherry and even chocolate. The presence of the wine is abundant, and the finish is deep.

www.OnlyKosherWines.com has plenty of other Jewish wine, if you prefer something a little lighter, or if you want a good white. For kosher wines, this is the place to go.

Alternatives to Kosher Wines

2010-04-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

If you’re already stocked with kosher wine, you may want to think about some other beverages. Kosher vodka is a good alternative if you’re in the mood for something a bit stronger. Vodka is a clean, neutral alcohol, usually triple distilled or more to remove impurities. It is especially before a meal to further appetite and is nice as the weather warms. Vodka is great if you want to practice mixing drinks, like martinis or vodka tonics.

Desert liquers are also a nice alternative to kosher wines. These are delicious straight after dinner, often help digestion and are good for impressing guests. A fruit flavored digestif like Limoncello is an excellent palate cleanser, is much lighter and less caloric than a glass of kosher wine, and is still kosher for Passover.

Or if you favor something a little stronger to sip on after dinner, scotch and cognac are excellent choices. Scotch is made from barley and flavored with peat moss to give it its characteristic smoky flavor. Cognac is distilled from grapes, like kosher wine, but is distilled twice in copper pots and then aged in French oak barrels.

It is nice to have a drink selection both for yourself and your guests. Discussing love and life over an after dinner drink is a pleasure and a luxury.

Kosher Wines on Sale for Passover

2010-03-22T09:00:00.006-04:00

Passover is coming up quickly and if you want to catch some great deals on kosher wine, be sure to check out www.OnlyKosherwine.com for the Passover Sale. Whether you are a Pinot Grigio glutton, a Merlot maniac or crazy for Cabernet, the Passover Sale has some incredible deals on just about every type of kosher wine out there. Here is a sample of a few of the best deals.

Teperberg Meritage Red(Israel) $18.99

This dry blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc is a lovely deep ruby color and full-bodied. It has notes of soft tannins, plum, currant, and berries.

Barentura Moscato (Italy) $9.99

Sweet, crisp and perfect for spring, this white muscat has delicious undertones of pear, tangerine, and nectar.

Baron Herzog Jeunesse Reserve Pinot Noir (California) $14.99

This Jeunesse Pinot Noir has an extremely smooth and velvety texture. There’s a delicate balance of tannins and fruit, with notes of ripe cherry, spice, and perfume, and has a long finish.

Hamasrek Chardonnay (Israel) $12.99

This crisp Chardonnay has a warm golden hue with crisp pineapple, lemon, and pear notes.

Galil Shiraz/ Cabernet (Israel) $15.99

This fine Shiraz underwent nearly two weeks of fermentation and 10 months of aging in American oak barrels. It has notes of blueberry and raspberry, with spicy undertones of cloves and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied with a long finish.

Three Kosher Wines Perfect for the Upcoming Spring Season

2010-03-15T09:00:00.004-04:00

A lot of people enjoy the warming quality of a nice red kosher wine in the winter time. A deliciously dry Merlot or Cab goes hand-in-hand with winter and makes those brutally cold months a little more bearable. But as the ice begins to melt, and the temperature begins to rise, we seek out cooler beverages and set our sights on a nice glass (or three) of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Here are three fantastic white kosher wines, perfect for spring:

Yatir Sauvignon Blanc (Israel)

This straw-colored white offers a delicate balance of dry and sweet with a long, complex finish.

Abarbanel Pinot Blanc (France)

This fruity white wine is dry, yet extremely smooth with notes of apple, pears, apricot, melon, and a light touch of cream.

Bartenura Prosecco (Italy)

This dry, lemony and slightly bubbly sparkling wine is the perfect beverage for a crisp, Spring day. This delicious kosher wine has undertones of citrus, melon, lemon, and honey.

Looking for More Than Kosher Wine For Your Next Dinner Party?

2010-03-08T09:00:00.003-05:00

It’s always nice to have variety in food and beverage, and if you’re looking for something other than kosher wine for your adult guests, you should consider making some delicious kosher cocktails with Binyamina Limoncello Liqueur. These two recipes are refreshing and perfect for spring. Everyone loves a good kosher cocktail, now you can impress your guests with these creative and delicious adult beverages.

Limoncello Limon Blush
Ingredients Per Cocktail
• 1 Ounce Limoncello
• 3 Ounces of Lemonade
• ½ Ounce of Cranberry Juice
• ½ Ounce of Soda Water
• 1 Lemon Wedge

Preparation
1) Add all ingredients, minus the soda water, to a shaker with ice.
2) Shake vigorously and pour into a tall drinking glass, leaving half and inch from the rim.
3) Top off the drink with the ½ ounce of soda water
4) Garnish with lemon wedge

Limon Bacca Baci
Ingredients Per Cocktail
• 4 Ounces of Sparking Kosher Wine
• 1 Ounce of Limoncello
• 1 Tablespoon of fresh raspberries
• Crushed ice

Preparation
1) In a mixing glass, combine sparking wine and limoncello
2) Place a spoonful of ice into a champagne flute and top with the raspberries
3) Pour the sparking limoncello mixture over the ice and serve

For great deals on Binyamina Limoncello and Sparking Kosher Wine, be sure to visit OnlyKosherWine.com

Cooking with Kosher Wine

2010-03-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Jewish wine is not only delicious to drink, it’s a great way to spice up a recipe. If you’re looking for a new and exciting dish to have for Passover this year, try this wonderful recipe using the kosher wine, Baron Herzog Sauvignon Blanc.

Chicken and Veal Dumpling with Apple Tagine

Dumplings
6 boneless chicken thighs, approx. 1lb, ground
1 lb veal stew shoulder meat, ground
1 cup of crustless french baguette or other rustic hearth baked bread
4 oz. soy milk (full fat 4 grams or higher in fat content)
4 cloves of garlic
½ medium Spanish onion
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

Spice seasoning
½ Tbsp. ground green peppercorns
½ Tbsp. ground coriander seed
2 teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
Kosher salt to taste
2 Tbsp. pure olive oil or canola oil

Apple Tagine
2 Tbsp. pure olive oil or canola oil
1 cup baby cippolinni or pearl onions, peeled and whole
6 Braeburn or Granny Smith firm and tart apples (peeled, cored and cut into 1 inch cubes)
¼ cup Baron Herzog Sauvignon Blanc
3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
¼ cup honey
1 cup chicken stock
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme or sage leaves, chopped
Sea salt to taste

Dumplings
Take the crustless bread and soak it in the soy milk. Mince the onion and garlic. In a large Mixing bowl, add the ground meat, minced garlic and onion and the spice mixture.
Next, mix in the soaked bread using an electric mixer with a paddle on a medium speed. While that’s mixing add the egg and the salt. Turn the mixture up to a high speed and whip for two minutes. It should be stiff and homogenous. Take a sample and cook in a skillet, then taste for salt level. If it’s not right adjust as you see fit.
Roll the meat mixture into 1.5’’ diameter balls. Brown meat in a skillet but don’t cook all the way. Place on a plate and reserve for later with adding it to the tagine.

Tagine
In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat up oil and add onions. Sauté until brown and then add the apples. Continue to cook over a medium heat until the apple/onion mixture is caramelized. Add the kosher wine and let the alcohol dissipate for thirty seconds. Then add the honey, vinegar, chicken stock, and herbs. Let it cook uncovered, on a low heat for 5 minutes. Add the dumplings and cover the tagine. Cook for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt.
Makes 6 servings.

For a great price on Baron Herzog Sauvignon Blanc and other kosher wine that is great to drink and to cook with, be sure to visit OnlyKosherWine.com.

What Makes Kosher Wines Kosher?

2010-02-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Now when you read this blog title, you might have said, duh, it has to have the hescher! Well obviously, but there’s a little more to it. Firstly, out of all of the people who handle the wine, there must be at least one Sabbath observing Jew involved in the entire winemaking process, from the planting and the growing of the grapes to the harvesting and fermentation of them. Any finings must be kosher too, which excludes any caseins like egg whites and milk, which have been used in the past sparingly to give the wine more body.

Although you may typically think of kosher wines as sweeter than most, they don’t have to be. In fact the sweetness of Manischewitz wine comes from corn syrup which, because it comes from corn, is forbidden for Passover. This is why Passover Manischewitz is different – it is produced with cane sugar.

So I bet that after this little Kosher wine tutorial, you’re about ready for a glass. Well whether you choose Manischewitz wine, Kedem wine, or any other kosher wines, buy it from onlykosherwine.com. They have all the best kosher wines at the lowest prices. And if you’re feeling like something a bit stronger, they have that too.

Enjoying the Different Kinds of Kosher Wine

2010-02-15T06:09:00.000-05:00

There are many different kinds of Kosher Wines that you can enjoy. Whether you like red wine or white wine, sweet wine or bubbly wine, you are sure to find a Kosher Wine that you can kick back and enjoy, either alone, as a couple, or with a group of friends. Some of the main kinds of kosher wines are Manischewitz wine and Kedem wine. If you want a good dessert wine to kick back with and enjoy then Kedem wine is a good option.

There are different kinds of Kedem wines that are good for desserts, some are quite sweet and some only moderately so; they can be sparkling pink, bubbly amber, low in alcohol content or a bit higher on the alcohol content scale. You can also get Kedem Sherry, Champagne, or Vermouth. Manischewitz wines are also quite good as dessert wines. Many types of Manischewitz wines are quite sweet and fruity.

There are concord grape wines, blackberry wines, and wines whose taste will remind you of a luscious cherry pie - which by the way is the most popular flavor! You can get either white or red Manischewitz wines and besides their sweet wines, they have some dry wines too.

Manischewitz wines are a good choice if you are looking for a good Jewish wine to use for the Passover. All you have to do is visit us at www.OnlyKosherWine.com and... Le’chaim!

More Pairing Ideas for Jewish Wine

2010-02-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

You like good wine, and you like good food — but how do you put the two together? You could spend years studying the fine art of wine pairing, but if you're just looking to plan a couple of meals to serve with your Jewish wine, check out these simple ideas:

For starters, wines in the Chablis family will pair marvelously with any kind of white fish. You could serve a Chablis Kedem wine, for example, with a plate of naked or broiled halibut and sauteed vegetables. This wine will also work well with poultry, particularly chicken.

Alternatively, you can create a sweeter pairing using a bottle of Teperberg Late Harvest Riesling, another delicious white. Rieslings in general work well with desert food, but this particular vintage is known for its moderate finish of honey and vanilla—flavors you could easily echo in a dessert plate.

Sound a little too sweet? For hearty meals like beef courses, most experts recommend a red wine such as a Burgundy Royale Kedem wine.

You may have noticed that white Kosher wines tend to work better with lighter foods, while reds are ideal for red meat. But don't let that trip you up too much — more than anything, pairing is all about discovering what you like.

Start Your Own Wine Cellar with Jewish Wine!

2010-02-02T11:38:00.000-05:00

Whether you're a chef or simply a lover of wine, starting your own wine cellar at home can have many benefits. A Jewish wine cellar will improve your cooking, increase the value of your home, and—most important—make entertaining a breeze.

So, what should you buy? Honestly, there's only one thing guests like, and that's variety. To please everyone, I recommend stocking up on more than one type of wine—blush, red, and white—as well as sampling a variety of regions, including Spanish, French, and Italian wine, all of which supply kosher bottles.

Filling an entire cellar can be intimidating, so I recommend you begin with the modest goal of 60 bottles. You might want to adjust this number of if your entertain or cook more or less than usual, however keep in mind that many individuals and families consume at least one or two bottles of Jewish wine a week.

Having 60 wines also leaves room for variety—not just in color and region but also in price. Most people can't afford to stock their cellars exclusively with the most expensive bottles, but having one or two top quality vintages can make for some special evenings. And if you're just getting together with a bunch of old friends, you might feel more comfortable popping open a bottle that only costs around $20.

Last, you should consider drawing some of your 60 kosher wines from the standards: Manischewitz wine and Kedem wine. In addition to their reliably satisfying taste, these wines carry with them long legacy that will enhance your wine cellar in spirit alone—no pun intended!

Kosher Wine Recipes? You Bet!

2010-01-25T06:34:00.000-05:00

Apparently a lot of people think that just because a wine is Kosher or tastes a certain way, it can't be placed into a recipe. But, this just isn't so! Anything with alcohol and good flavoring which can add a layer of flavor can be added to food. It doesn't matter if it's a big dish like a casserole, or if it's a sauce like a Beurre Blanc - any wine can be utilized to create good layers! Two of the most popular Jewish wine brands such as Manischewitz wine and Kedem wine can be made with a varying amount of foods!

For example, the Manischewitz wine has a really great recipe for a cake. Yep. A cake! For this dish you would want to use the Cherry wine - it's going to have a superb cherry flavor, somewhat bitter, somewhat sweet. The cake is actually soaked in the wine - think of a rum cake, minus the rum! The Kedem wine has a pretty cool recipe as well that I saw online for a cheese fondue. Instead of using the usual white wine (Italian or French) or beer, you would replace it with the Kedem wine.

A good one to try would be something dry like a Chablis, white, and broad flavors. Just by looking online, I'm almost positive you can find dozens upon dozens of amazingly flavorful recipes using Kosher wine! So, for those who say these wines can only be drunk - you don't know what you're missing out on!

The Royal Wine Company: All About Kedem Wine

2010-01-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

It’s hard to think of kosher wines and spirits without thinking of Kedem wine, a legendary brand with roots in both America and Europe. Also called The Royal Wine Company, this label currently operates two vineyards: Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, CA and Kedem Winery in Marlboro, NY. The company's wines have been highly praised with top scores from critics, including a 92 out of 100 from Wine Spectator Magazine.

In addition to making kosher wine, The Royal Wine Company imports the same from a number of exotic countries, including Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, and Canada. The company also stocks kosher spirits and grape juice.

The Royal Wine Company has been under the ownership of the notable Herzog family since 1958, but the Herzog clan’s experience with wine dates back much further. The family founded its first vineyard one hundred years earlier, in fact, in Czechoslovakia. This successful winery became the official supplier to Emperor Franz Joseph, the leader of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Herzog family’s winery was taken over by the Nazis during World War II, but the family survived the conflict in hiding and moved the business to the United States in 1948.

Kedem wine offers a proud legacy of meticulously produced kosher products, and you can browse a variety of cases and bottles right at www.OnlyKosherWine.com.

How Do Jewish Wines Intertwine With Modern Wines?

2010-01-11T06:19:00.000-05:00

Considering a Jewish tradition and way of life that goes back for thousands of years and if all that time Jewish wine making has been part of that tradition, then kosher wine has got to be among the best made wines in the world! It is often said that God gave us wine to bring joy to men’s hearts and if used properly and not overused it is also great for one’s health. We offer only the finest quality Manischewitz wines, the # 1 kosher wine brand in the United States and Kedem wines from Kedem foods who are celebrating 50 years of producing great tasting kosher food and wines; as well as other kosher wines from all over the world.

From Israel, the United States, South Africa and Australia as well as France and Germany we offer a bountiful flavor of red and white nectar that is sure to please all tastes and give you the promised joy and health benefits that are not only traditional but scientifically proven.

So if you want to give your guests a marvelous wine to go with the dinner party or just want a wine for Shabbat, Purim or Passover Seder, visit our website and browse through our wide selection of kosher Jewish wines that come with all the benefits of a wine making tradition that goes back hundreds of centuries and is properly supervised by a posek rabbi or by a proper beth din. Remember, keeping kosher does not prevent good times, it only adds to it the heritage of a long history.

What Type Of Wine Is Manischewitz?

2010-01-04T06:17:00.000-05:00

I am more of a fan of semi-dry white wines and have not yet had the pleasure of Jewish wines. I know that Manischewitz wines are most notable for being sweet wines - a quality that has been the subject of many jokes in comedy circles. The company that produces the wine is based in Naples, New York, but was founded in 1888 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The sweetness of the Manischewitz Jewish wine evolved from a practice of survival. Kosher wines do not necessarily have to be sweet. Often, they have been produced based on an earlier history of Jewish people in America.

Kosher wine had to be locally produced in order to be available for Kiddush (the recitation of blessings) during Shabbat (the seventh or resting day of the week that starts at sundown on Fridays and lasts until the stars are visible after sundown on Saturdays). Because the wine had to be produced quickly in most cases, the selection of flavors was limited to the grapes that were available or Jewish wine production.

Many of the grape varieties that grew where Jewish people settled were bitter. Sugar had to be added in order to make the wine drinkable. The Manischewitz brand of Jewish wine is a Concord wine made from labrusca grapes. It is used as communion wine and during Passover. Some Orthodox Jews will not drink Manischewitz wine during Passover because it is made with corn syrup, which is one of the forbidden foods of Passover according to some. Manischewitz makes a Passover brand of wine that is sweetened with cane sugar.

Do Kosher Wines Really Exist? Where Can I Find Them?

2009-12-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Keeping kosher does not exclude anyone from experiencing a variety of good wines because Jewish wine from all over the world is now available at the click of a mouse. Even though the ingredients must be kosher, and certain substances are forbidden during the clarification process, if wine is Mevushal, or pasteurized, Gentiles can now prepare the grapes. This has increased the number of locations that can produce kosher wine. Anyone can experiment with wines and spirits imported from Israel, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Italy, and about 30 other countries.

Manischewitz wine and kedem wine are the two most popular kosher choices in the United States, with Manischewitz being the largest seller. Both brands are produced at New York state wineries. Now wine connoisseurs are no longer limited to vines from a singular region. While drinking wine is enjoyable, one can also used imported kosher wines in recipes, and not just for Passover. Favorites such as poached pears, sauces, or chicken cacciatore are easy to make and have made a good first impression on past guests.

Kosher wine is at least 2,000 years old and there is still a hearty market demand for various kosher wines. Approximately 21 percent of American Jews keep kosher and most of them are Reform Jews and of younger generations. The increase in the number of sophisticated wines being imported from around the world comes just in time for many of us as we seek the path to tradition with more freedom of personal choice.

Travel the World Without Leaving Your Living Room with Robust Kosher Wine

2009-12-21T06:15:00.000-05:00

Because of the recession, my husband and I had to cancel our European vacation this year, but that doesn’t mean our palates couldn’t travel. We found a great website offering a fantastic selection of kosher wines, drawing from countries the world over. One evening we’ll be strolling around the south of France, appreciating the region’s earthy flavors, and before I know it we’re in Tuscany, sampling a perfect Sangiovese. And if we’re feeling homesick, we pop open a bottle from California’s Napa Valley.

What’s really great is we don’t even have to travel to the store to find any of these great Jewish wines. We just log onto www.OnlyKosherWine.com, where we can browse bottles right in our living room and have them delivered to our door. The interface makes it simple to search for specific traits, like color, texture, and alcohol content.

And for those really special evenings, we browse the same great site for kosher spirits, from bourbon to rum to tequila. With so many great options, we never have to sacrifice diversity of flavor to keep kosher!

Pairing for Dummies – Flatter Your Food with Deluxe Kosher Wines

2009-12-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

Lots of people see wine pairing as a rather intricate science, with right answers and wrong answers just like a lab report. But I like to take a more relaxed approach to pairing my meals with kosher wines. After all, what’s most important is finding a combination that you enjoy, even if a French sommelier wouldn’t necessary do the same.

One basic principle is to allow the wines in your meals to progress from light to dark. Champagne, for example, pairs excellently with a mild appetizer, and white wine works well with salads and other light plates. When you’re talking meat, I recommend a flavorful red wine to stand up to your seasonings and sauce. And finally, a glass of port can satisfyingly round out a meal when served with dessert.

If you’re looking to pair in a more casual setting, cheese is definitely the way to go. After all, there are almost as many varieties of cheese as there are of wine. In general, white wine works better with soft cheeses, while you should save the red wine for hard cheeses. Many connoisseurs even claim that cheese enhances wine by softening the flavors.

For any wine question or kosher wines information, you are more than welcome to visit us at www.OnlyKosherWine.com!

Welcome to Only Kosher Wines Blog!

2009-11-30T11:45:00.001-05:00

Love wines but keep Kosher? Why "but"? Keeping kosher doesn’t mean you have to drink only wines that come from the Rabbi’s back yard in Brooklyn! Oh no! These days, you can enjoy sipping kosher wines from all over the world. Kosher wines are made in France, Italy, Australia, Israel, Chile, and South Africa, in some of the best wineries known. Of course that if you want to stay patriotic, there are exquisite kosher wines that come from the boutique wineries of California and New York State.

But where can you get all of these wines? Well, that’s why we’re here for! Chateau De Vin opened its doors in February of 1991. With more than 18 years of serving the five towns area, Chateau De Vin has grown dramatically. We now have the largest selection of kosher wine in all of Long Island, and Queens.

We carry an extensive range of wine selection with names such as Baron Herzog, Herzog Selections, Rashi, Bartenura, Abarbanel, Carmel, Weinstock, Alfasi, Barkan, Binyaminya, and much much more. We even have a full line of Single Malt Scotches, Blended Scotches, Bourbons, Vodkas, as well as a full line of kosher liquors, and cordials.

We got this blog up and running because there is a lot to know about wine and liquor. How do you choose the right wine? Which wine goes with what dinner? What are the differences between different types of grapes and what the heck does “Yeasty, lavosh biscuit characters on the nose and plenty of creamy development” means?!

So go ahead, visit us at www.OnlyKosherWine.com and don’t forget to visit this blog weekly. L'chaim!