GrapeLines

A review of the BR Cohn Trestle Glen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and the Suntory Yamazaki Single Malt 12 year old Whisky.

There is an intimate association between wine and music, as Robert Fripp, rock guitarist, memorably suggested: “Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” So it is not surprising that some in the music business have also become winemakers. A tad more surprising, perhaps, is that occasionally their wines are even kosher.

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A review of the Herzog Special Reserve Merlot 2006and the Jameson 12 year old, the Bushmill’s Original and the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskies.

Merlot is no longer the unwanted stepchild of the wine world. The previous lack of respect did not stem from anything inherent to the varietal. Rather, it was an offshoot of overplanting in response to increasing demand, resulting in a multitude of characterless wines. Thankfully, the grape has been rescued by conscientious winemakers who have resisted over-commercialization, and instead carefully crafted some delicious merlots.

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Some suggestions for Passover wines.

The four cups of wine served at Pesach gives each guest the opportunity to expand their wine horizons. The significant increases in quality kosher wine producers around the globe and their willingness to try different varietals have enhanced the choices available for this year’s sedarim. This improvement is most readily apparent in Israel, which has been the recent recipient of some very favorable wine press. But it can also be seen in the kosher wines from locations as diverse as California, Spain, Italy, France, Australia and New Zealand.

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Some wine recommendations for Shavuot.

The Talmud states that there is no happiness without wine. As the only drink with its own blessing — thanking the “Creator of the fruit of the vine” — wine is integral to Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. Even the cup to hold the wine is special, often ornately decorated and of a specific volume to ensure that enough is consumed to fulfill the mitzvot.

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A review of some recently released Kosher Wines.

“Good kosher wine” is no longer an oxymoron. Due to increased demand for alternatives to the traditional sweet wines, the quality and variety of kosher wines has steadily improved. The wines available for this year’s Passover demonstrate that this trend is continuing. For a wine to be designated kosher, the wine-making equipment can only be utilized for kosher wines and only kosher materials can be used during production. Shabbat-observant Jews supervise the entire process and no artificial colorings or preservatives are added. Kosher wine which will be handled by non-Jews is briefly heated to make it meshuval. Using current techniques, this does not affect the quality of the wine. Wines certified “kosher for Passover” do not come into contact with any unleaven materials during production.

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Passover wine suggestions.

Wine is a blend of God’s gifts and man’s efforts. On Passover, wine represents the richness of freedom and is a symbol of our joy and thanksgiving. During the seder we are required to drink four cups of wine, and the four cups correspond to the four expressions of redemption stated in the Torah. They also serve to remind us of the four matriarchs, Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca and Leah who each played an important role in the development of the Jewish people.

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Some Romantic wine suggestions.

Wine, like love, is a deeply personal affair. One may be attracted to a particular style, taste, or appearance that someone else would find less appealing. For a romantic dinner, it is best to select wines that you both will enjoy and there are several approaches to make sure the wines express your affections.

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