5 Great Kosher Wines

Kosher wines have improved in the last couple of decades, inspiring a generation of wine lovers to rethink their drinking habits. Kosher wines are processed differently from conventional wines, typically including some additional steps, limitations and certifications, and more wineries around the world are now adding kosher options to their standard offerings.

Although wines fall into lots of different categories, there are two fundamental types of kosher wine: those that have been flash pasteurized (mevushal) and those that haven't. A mevushal wine can be handled by non-Jews after the bottle has been opened. This makes it the default choice for gatherings where there will be a mix of guests or servers present.

Our selections aren't mevushal wines, but they're kosher and should appeal to a variety of tastes. The five wines we've chosen represent established wineries that have distinguished reputations for providing superior kosher wine. We've also scoured the globe to offer up some fun wines with international flair.

Finding Kosher Wine

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

5: 2004 Baron Herzog, Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

This World Wine Championship silver medal winner is sweet but balanced, with a dollop of pear essence, a suggestion of caramel and a very faint vanilla aftertaste. Even if you aren't a lover of wine, this mild but elegant white from California is sure to please. Try it with your favorite chicken entrée. It'll be a winner with fish and Asian dishes, too.

4: 2001 Yarden Merlot, Ortal Vineyard, Israel

A dry wine with an opulent garnet color and a rich, aromatic blend of fruits and spices, this Golan Heights Winery merlot is an exceptional import. If you like your wines very dry and can appreciate a complex bouquet, it's definitely worth the investment. With a hint of oak, licorice and just a trace of tobacco, it will add zest to a rich meal. Special note: The 2004 is very nice, too.

3: 2005 Goose Bay, Pinot Noir, East Coast, New Zealand

This pinot noir is a sleek, versatile red wine that brings the flavors of cherries and strawberries to your table in a subtle blending that's great with meat, poultry, fatty fish or vegetables. Thanks to New Zealand's cool, long growing season, the wine offers the delicious promise of summer any time of year. Keep some on hand -- you'll be glad you have a few bottles in reserve.

2: 2005 Cellar de Capcanes, Peraj Ha'abib, Flor de Primavera

This robust Spanish wine combines carignan, garnacha and cabernet sauvignon grapes into a concentrated and cohesive whole that's dry and smooth. If you're into red wine, you should really indulge yourself with this one. It offers a deep, fruity bouquet with a hint of oak. Pair it with game meats, cheeses, beef or lamb.

1: 2007 Covenant Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

This plush varietal wine has a rich ruby color and boasts a bouquet of cedar wood, smoke, plums and currants. Although it's pricey -- around $90 a bottle -- Robert Parker, the celebrated American wine critic, gave it a score of 90 to 92 on a scale of 100 and rated it "one of the finest kosher wines money can buy." For a special treat, try it with your favorite grilled fare [source: Covenant].

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