Since it's time for Passover, that means it’s also a good time to revisit the distinctions between kosher, kosher for Passover and Mevushal--as well as some of the new wines we’ve just received that fulfill these varying requirements. It turns out that a lot of products are kosher that you might not consider, like Smirnoff Vodkas and Maker’s Mark Bourbon, as well as numerous other liquors and even beer. Though flavored versions are most often not kosher, you can look for the OU symbol, or U within an O on the label to make sure. These items are not kosher for Passover, and since wine is part of the Seder dinner ritual, let’s focus on those differences.

Kosher wines must be made according to Judaisms’s religious dietary law (kashrut) and Sabbath-observant Jews must supervise the entire winemaking process, and all ingredients, including finings, must be kosher. Wine that is kosher for Passover must have been kept free from contact with grain, bread and dough, and will have those words “kosher for Passover” on the back label. Mevushal is another distinction that is often required at synagogues, where the wine is “cooked” so that it can be touched or served by non-Jewish and/or non-observant waiters. Kosher restaurants or kosher caterers commonly use mevushal wine for this reason, and it will also be stated on the back label.

Last year ABC renewed its commitment to having kosher wines available by bringing in some great Israeli wines, like the Barkan Classic line at about $12 per bottle. There is a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot from Galil and a Chardonnay from Dan, and they are all kosher for Passover and mevushal. Another reserve offering from Yarden in Galilee are also kosher for Passover but are not mevushal and range from $20 for the Sauvignon Blanc to $23 for the Chardonnay to $35 for the Cabernet Sauvignon. These are all excellent quality wines that will remind you of some of the finest wines from famous regions throughout Europe, and have nothing to do with the flavor of Manischewitz.

Our new selections of kosher for Passover wines range from Bartenura in Italy, to Baron Herzog in California and to Alfasi from Chile, showing that source locations for kosher wines don’t have to be just from Israel. We’ve carried the Bartenura Moscato di Pavia ($11) for many years (made in the style of a Moscato di Asti) and just expanded with a Tuscan red made from 100% Sangiovese ($10) and a delle Venezie Pinot Grigio ($16). Both wines represent their regional styles, so the Sangiovese will remind you of a Chianti, and the Pinot Grigio will have all the classic flavors of a crisp Veneto white. We also brought in a bubblier pink Moscato (Spumante Dolce) from Bartenura ($17) if you want to celebrate with some sweet kosher bubbles.

Originally, many ABC’s carried the Baron Herzog Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon ($13) from California, and we’ve just expanded with some lighter, more affordable items like their Jeunesse Cabernet ($12), Pink Moscato ($10) and White Zinfandel ($9). “Jeunesse” is French for youth, and this is a slightly sweet, very soft style of Cabernet Sauvignon, for the beginner who wants fruit without the complete sweetness of Manischewitz. Both the Pink Moscato and White Zin have the typical sweet flavors we associate with these varietals in a modern California style. Lastly we’ve brought in a South American option in the Alfasi Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) from the Maule Valley in central Chile, so it is very affordable and in the style of most of our favorite Chilean Cabs. As with all the Herzogs, the Alfasi is both kosher for Passover and mevushal.

Gone are the days where kosher wine producers could produce any plonk for their “captive” audience, and the general quality of kosher wines have increased in the last two decades as our world palate has been elevated. You can feel confident in getting a Passover wine that fulfills the ritual needs but also has some modern flavors to appeal to any oenophile, whether Jewish or just visiting. Not all of our stores have this broad of a selection, but our largest ABCs with a wine consultant do, and they can help you find the right flavor profile for your Seder, as well as meet all the religious requirements. Mazel tov!

Daniel Eddy

Gainesville Wine Consultant for ABC Fine Wines & Spirits. Follow me on Twitter @abcwinedane.

Wine Pairing Examiner for Examiner.com