From vineyard to table: the essence of kosher wines

According to the specialist, the word refers to the Hebrew term "fit to be consumed," according to the standards of Halakha—the laws of Judaism—for the Jewish diet, or Kashrut. "Everything that comes from the earth and has not been processed is kosher," Camilo states. This category, of course, includes grapes for winemaking.

The kosher designation ensures strict control over every stage of production, and any deviation from its rigorous standards renders the wine unsuitable for Jewish consumption. “Kosher wines are produced under the strictest supervision of an observant Jew, or Mashgiach, who typically trains as winemakers in Bordeaux. The vineyard, fermentation, winemaking processes, bottling, and distribution are all meticulously analyzed to obtain kosher certification,” explains Camilo Pérez.

Kosher wines are produced under the strictest supervision of the processes by an observant Jew or Mashgiach,” Camilo Pérez.

These seals encompass all production styles: white, rosé, red, natural, sparkling, fortified, biodynamic… and all quality levels. Their release is linked to holidays like Shabbat and Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year. “For a long time, these wines were synonymous with sweetness, since their low quality was compensated for by adding large amounts of sugar. On the other hand, their sweet profile is also related to the festive context in which they are consumed,” explains Camilo.

In the field

According to the laws of Orlah, kosher wine must be made from grapes hand-harvested from vines older than three years. Furthermore, in accordance with the rabbinic law of the Sabbatical year, or Shmitah—which emphasizes the regeneration of the land—the practice of producing these wines requires a suspension of harvesting once every seven years.

In the cellar

The barrels and containers must be used exclusively for this type of wine to avoid cross-contamination with foods not processed according to kosher rules. To clarify the wine and ensure a less cloudy appearance, winemakers may use egg whites, as they are considered a neutral ingredient.

The strains

The first kosher wines were made from Concord grapes, the only variety historically available to the Jewish community; an example of this grape is the Californian red Concord Manischewitz. Despite its cultural significance, the world of kosher wines is no longer limited to that varietal or a single region; for instance, the wines of Don Leo from Coahuila.

Types of kosher wines

• Kosher for Passover or Lepesach: produced without having come into contact with grains, bread, or dough and leavened products. Especially suitable for consumption during Passover.
• Mevushal: This involves exposing the wine to high temperatures for a few seconds in a process similar to pasteurization, in an effort to preserve its "spiritual purity." This procedure allows a non-observant Jew to serve it without it losing its kosher status.

Kosher Le Mehadrin: the most rigorous certification for consumption by Orthodox Jews. Wines bearing this label are produced in compliance with all the precepts established by rabbinic law. They are served exclusively by observant Jews.

The stamps

There are a variety of seals authorized by rabbinic law that indicate both the winemaking process and the community for which it was produced. Each wine can bear from one to five seals, and there are more than 90 international organizations dedicated to their certification. “Choosing a kosher wine depends largely on the community that will consume it. For non-Jewish consumers, the Mevushal seal is a safe bet,” explains the expert.

In a cup

Despite their religious significance, not all kosher wines are exclusively for consumption by the Jewish community. Wine lovers seeking to uncork one of their labels, imbued with meaning, and appreciate the expressions of grapes harvested and vinified under a rigorous and unique system, can sample wines identified with the mevusahl seal, keeping in mind the care and respect for the laws that govern their production.

Barkan Reserve Chardonnay 2021

Created by winemaker Ed Salzberg for Barkan Winery – the second largest in Israel. It is made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the mountains of the Jerusalem corridor, carefully selected and hand-picked.

After harvesting, one-third of the juice is separated to complete its fermentation in new oak barrels for six months, while the remainder ferments in tanks at low temperatures. The blend of these two fermentation processes results in an elegant, complex, and smooth wine.

This label has won several gold medals at the prestigious international Chardonnay du Monde competition.

• Region: Samson, Israel.
• Variety: Chardonnay.
• Vineyard: Barkan Winery.
• Appearance: light yellow.
• Nose: delicate notes of flowers, citrus and a touch of caramel.
• Palate: ripe tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, with subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
• Alcohol content: 12.5o.
• Type: Mevushal, Kosher For Passover.

Carmel Private Collection, Shiraz

Israel's winemaking heritage is directly linked to the prestigious Bordeaux-based Rothschild firm. Following the precepts of his faith, Benjamin Rothschild considered the historical and social importance of wine to the Israeli community when founding his project.

In 1882, he financed the intervention of top French agronomists on the slopes of Mount Carmel, under the influence of the Mediterranean climate and diverse soil types. After intensive research, the baron founded the first winery established in Israeli territory.

• Region: Judean Hills, Israel.
• Variety: Shiraz.
• Vineyard: Carmel.
• Eyesight: deep violet.
• Nose: nuts and ripe plums.
• Palate: blackberries, green olives and toasted nuts accompanied by elegant notes of leather.
• Alcohol content: 13.5o.
• Type: Mevushal, Kosher For Passover

Where to buy them? koshervinos.mx