The kosher wine world has expanded greatly in the past two decades. Now great kosher wines are available from wine regions from around the world. This article is dedicated to red wine since many Passover dinners feature red wine. In fact, it’s believed red wine was used during the Seders of the ancient Jewish people after they escaped from Egypt.
I’m not Jewish, but when I learned that it’s required to drink four cups of wine during Seder, I immediately knew why I have so many Jewish friends. Many have been asking me to do a roundup article for a while. Since you know how much I love wine research, I happily obliged.
Kosher wines are available from $5 to $500, so with that in mind, this article is dedicated to the best of the best. In the wine world, the best in quality often corresponds to the most expensive in price. The list of the best kosher red wines includes wines that are pricier than the average bottle of kosher wine. In 2020, the average price of kosher wine is about $25.
7 Best Kosher Red Wines
Here are the seven best kosher red wines at any price. Keep in mind that the actual price may vary greatly depending on where you buy the kosher wine.
One other thing to note. All of the wines on this list are certified kosher for Passover, and none of them are Mevushal (where the wine is flash pasteurized to a high temperature to meet the requirements of the rabbinical authority).
Aura di Valerie Amarone della Valpolicella 2017
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Winery: Aura di Valerie
Variety: Blend Location: Italy Average Price: $75 This is the first kosher Amarone. Amarone wine is made by drying wine grapes on special mats for four months in order to concentrate the flavors. Because the grapes are dried, it takes a lot more fruit to produce the same amount of liquid, which is what accounts for the fact that Amarones are typically higher priced than a Chianti. This wine is a good example of Amarone and has flavors of cherry, dark chocolate, and both black and red fruit. It is excellent paired with big flavorful cheeses, such as Stilton Bleu Chese, grilled steak or a hearty stew.
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Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse Bordeaux 2015
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Winery: Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse
Variety: Bordeaux Location: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France Average Price: $75 This wine exemplifies Left Bank Bordeaux. It is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out with Merlot (whereas Right Bank wines are the opposite). The higher level of tannins makes it a better candidate for aging. This wine offers a flavor combination of opulent black plum, spice and wood. It is a dense wine with a long finish. This kosher wine pairs well with steak or any type of grilled red meat.
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Alexander the Great Amarolo 2014
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Winery: Alexander The Amarolo is made in the Amarone style, but since the grapes weren’t grown in the Italian denomination of Amarone della Valpolicella, it cannot be called an Amarone. By the time the grapes are crushed, they have lost an average of 40 percent of their weight, and this loss of water can slow down the fermentation process. This wine was then aged for 40 months in new and old oak barrels. This wine has flavors of prunes, violets, black pepper and sweet vanilla. This wine pairs nicely with medium-hard cheeses, beef, venison or a hearty stew.
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Chateau Malartic Lagraviere 2015
Variety: Bordeaux
Location: Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Average Price: $60
Herzog Special Reserve Cabernet Clone #6 2017
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Winery: Herzog
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon Location: Sonoma, California Price: $145 This wine comes from the coveted Chalk Hill region of Sonoma where the soil is a mixture of volcanic ash and sand that looks like chalk. The wine is aged for 21 months in new French oak barrels. The wine has a typical California aromas of blackberry, vanilla and herbs, but the long finish is what makes this a star. Pair this wine with grilled meat or strong cheeses.
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Alexander the Great 2014
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Winery: Alexander
Grape: Red Blend Location: Galilee, Israel Price: $75 This Bordeaux-style wine is probably the best example of Israel’s terroir and winemaking skills. It is a mix of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Verdot, and 4% Merlot grapes in upper Galilee. On the nose you get big blackberries, dried plum, black pepper and tobacco. It is an elegant wine with balanced tannins and acidity and a lush, long finish. Pair this wine with a grilled steak, roast lamb or flavorful cheeses.
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Covenant Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Library Wine 2013
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Winery: Covenant Wines
Grape: Red Blend Location: Napa, California Price – $200 Covenant Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Library Wine may or may not be your favorite kosher on this list, but it’s definitely the most expensive. At this price, it needs to impress. It is classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is arguably the best kosher wine available. Period. It has the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon flavors of cassis, toast and vanilla. The velvety finish allows it to compete with the highest ranking wines in California. Pair this wine with roasted meats, cream-based pasta, or grilled eggplant.
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