Kosher Wines Fulfill Holidays Gourmet Needs

This year Passover begins at sundown on April 5th and consumers such as Arlene Rosenberg, a stay at home mom in Cleveland, will have a lot more to consider when visiting the local wine shop. Most retailers agree that these days consumers have a real choice to make when it comes to the premium kosher wine segment. Wineries such as Carmel from Israel have made it a mission to produce quality wines at every price point making them one of the leaders in this emerging trend.

(PRWEB) March 19, 2004--This year Passover begins at sundown on April 5th and consumers such as Arlene Rosenberg, a stay at home mom in Cleveland, will have a lot more to consider when visiting the local wine shop. Every year it seems like there is more and more to choose from in the kosher section. It used to be that I would pop in and out of the store in less than 5 minutes, now it takes me longer. I want to browse through all the bottles and try to figure out which ones to bring home and enjoy with dinner. During the holidays we tend to rely on family recipes, so matching up wines with the meal is where I have my fun." Most retailers agree that these days consumers have a real choice to make when it comes to the premium kosher wine segment. Wineries such as Carmel from Israel have made it a mission to produce quality wines at every price point making them one of the leaders in this emerging trend.

According to Dave Bender, co-owner of Towne Wine & Liquor and Viking Wines & Liquor in Central New Jersey, "consumer tastes in kosher wines have definitely evolved over the years. Our customers are more cognizant of whats on the table because they want the wines they buy to complement their meal. Ultimately this means that we've altered our range to reflect this trend-we now bring in more dry kosher wines than ever." Bender also feels that the quality in kosher wines has improved dramatically over recent years, "customers are purchasing kosher throughout the year, some instead of non-kosher wines because they can now find the quality they are looking for in brands like Carmel."

For more than 120 years Carmel wines have played a pivotal role at the Seder table. Jewish holidays such as Passover utilize wine throughout the meal as part of a ritual. Traditionally just two glasses of wine are served on Sabbath and other festival meals, but on Passover its doubled to four, as Jews consider the holiday an especially festive occasion. Each glass of wine, traditionally red, signifies an expression of freedom going back more than 3,000 years when their historic exodus out of Egypt took place. For the Jewish people Passover is among the holiest and most joyous of holidays and wine is a traditional symbol of happiness in the culture. A fifth cup is left out for the Prophet Elijah, whose return it is said, will facilitate an age of harmony, peace and understanding among all peoples.

Adam Montefiore, International Marketing Director for Carmel says wine is such an integral part of Passover, there is no reason why people should drink wines they dont enjoy. Our 2002 Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blends are both great choices to be used at Seder this year. It allows the tradition of using red wine to be kept, but provides consumers with a wine they can really enjoy for $15.99. This is a joyous holiday and there is nothing like a great wine that complements a wonderful meal with friends and family to make the Seder memorable."

Jessica Keim, an Assistant Vice President for a bank in Manhattan says I find myself enjoying kosher wines more than ever recently. I dont like overly sweet wines, but I do enjoy something off dry. A friend suggested that I might like a Riesling and when I went to my local shop I found Carmel Emerald Riesling/Chenin Blanc. This is definitely the wine Ill be bringing to my parents house for the holiday."

The belief that kosher wine has to be sweet comes from an accident of history, or rather geography. At the turn of the century most of Americas Jewish immigrants settled on the East Coast, a region where the Concord grape flourished and therefore was available for use as ceremonial wine. The varietal produced a harsh wine and was not drinkable on its own. Winemakers added sugar and for years to come Americans mistakenly believed that all kosher wine had to be sweet, it doesnt. Any style of wine can be kosher if produced according to the laws of kashrus. For consumers this means that they have more of a selection and can enjoy almost any varietal they please.

The Carmel range is a perfect example of the variety available. If fresh and lively is the goal, then the Moscato di Carmel at $7.99 with just a touch of sparkle is a going to be the right choice. Fans of traditional white varietals like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc should pick up a bottle of the award-winning Private Collection Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2002-named best Israeli wine at KosherFest in 2003. Carmel has even recently introduced a super-premium line of wines that are all single vineyard, some are even estate bottled. Although highly allocated, these single vineyard wines are an obvious indication of the quality coming out of this historic producer.

Carmel Wines are imported by the Royal Wine Company, Bayonne, NJ.