Wines for Passover
April 11, 2008
by Susie Pender and Christine Yeres
Passover begins next Saturday at sundown. When making preparations for the family gathering, don’t forget the wine. Our local wine merchants have provided their recommendation of what would go with the traditional brisket or turkey, as well as some less typical choices: salmon, veal or chicken.
Hilltop Wines and Spirits
Peter Costello of Hilltop Wines and Spirits in the D’Agostino’s shopping center recommends a full-bodied dry red from Napa County that is kosher for Passover, Weinstock 2004 “Seller Select” Cabernet Sauvignon for $27.99. “It’s perfect with roast lamb, steak, herbed grilled chicken and also brisket,” suggested Costello. “I also have an Israeli Pinot Noir, Barkan Classic 2007, similar to the wines of Burgundy, stylistically Burgundian with a hint of black cherry and mint, medium bodied that goes well with grilled salmon, veal and chicken for $14.99.”
As for those who might be preparing veal or poultry and would like to serve a white wine with that, Hilltop offers a kosher Hagafen 2006 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc for $20.99 that is light, crisp, fresh and clean with a long finish.
Dodd’s Wine Shop
Mount Tabor Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee 2006 from Israel for $15.99 is “fruity and focused, with red plum and cherry flavors, and spicy notes on the finish,” according to Bobby at Dodd’s Wine Shop. “It’s not over the top when you consider that it’s a Cabernet, and it works well with brisket.”
For those hoping for a white wine to go with turkey, he suggested, Recanati Chardonnay Galilee 2006 for $11.99. This kosher wine is “medium-bodied, with pear, apple and butterscotch flavors, which finish nicely on the palate. This wine from Israel allows the food to show through.”
Chappaqua Wine and Spirits
Kirk Sprenger of Chappaqua Wine and Spirits recommends something on the lighter side with turkey, like the kosher Joseph River Chardonnay 2005 for $13.99 from Australia.
“Something not quite as dry, because turkey’s a neutral meat and anything goes will with it,” Sprenger suggested, “is a Golan 2006 from Israel, an Emerald Reisling, which is semi-dry with a little fruitiness and a slight tinge of sweetness to it for $14.99.”
“For those who prefer a lighter-styled red that would go perfectly with turkey,” Sprenger suggested, “I would recommend one of the Borgo Reale. I have two of their wines, a 2004 Sangiovese from Puglia in southern Italy for $14.99 or a 2006 Chianti called Vespertino from Tuscany for $19.99.”
“For reds to go with brisket, I would recommend Teperberg from Israel. It’s 2006 vintage Meritage, a blend of cabernet sauvignon , merlot and cabernet franc from Israel is a bit richer and bolder for $21.99.”
“I have couple of French selections I would recommend also,” Sprenger added. “One from Saint-Emilion, Chateau Tour-des-Agasseaux 2001 vintage, predominantly merlot, richly flavored but a little softer and rounder, featured at $36.99, and Chateau d’ Arsac from Margaux, 2003 vintage, a very big lush full bodied cabernet blend. It’s a predominantly cabernet sauvignon and typical Bordeaux blend for $59.99.”
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