Kosher Wines: A New Era of Sophisticated Sips

EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. - EntSun -- L'chaim with Kosher Wine!

Let's be honest, when most folks hear "kosher wine," their minds travel back to sweet, syrupy Manischewitz sipped from tiny glasses in Grandma's Bronx apartment, flanked by gefilte fish and plastic-covered couches. But let me tell you, bubbaleh, times have changed! Today's kosher wines are anything but the sticky stuff of Passovers past. We're talking about complex, elegant, expressive wines made with all the kavanah (intent) and talent of the finest winemakers in the world. So whether you keep strictly kosher or just want to impress your Uncle Marvin at the seder, you'll be happy to know the world of kosher wine is vast, vibrant, and dare I say, downright chic.

First, let's break down what kosher wine actually means. At its core, kosher wine is made in accordance with Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). From grape to bottle, the process must be overseen by Sabbath-observant Jews, and no non-kosher fining agents (like gelatin or casein) are used. The equipment must be kosher, and everything is done under rabbinical supervision. But here's where things get a little more nuanced—enter the world of "mevushal" versus "non-mevushal."

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Mevushal wine has been flash pasteurized — literally, it's heated quickly to a high temperature (usually around 185°F or 85°C) and then cooled just as fast. Why, you ask? Because once a wine is mevushal, it retains its kosher status even if it's handled or poured by someone who isn't Jewish or observant. Think weddings, bar mitzvahs, catered events — anywhere the guy pouring your glass might also be the one dancing the hora with a shrimp cocktail in hand. The downside? The heat treatment can affect the wine's delicate aromas and structure.

Non-mevushal wines, on the other hand, are not heat-treated, and therefore, they must only be handled by observant Jews to retain their kosher status. These wines tend to be higher-end, as producers often prefer not to subject their prized vintages to heat. So if you're hosting Passover at home and you want to serve something really special (and maybe flex a little for your cousin who thinks he's a sommelier now), non-mevushal is the way to go …

https://www.moraswines.com/lchaim-with-kosher-wine/