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.

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.

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.

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.