The Jewish holiday of Passover is known for its strict dietary rules. During the week-long festivity, observant families avoid leavened foods, like bread and cake, and eat meals that are limited to ingredients designated kosher for Passover. But another big part of the Passover celebration is wine.
Wine plays a central role in the two ceremonial dinners that kick off Passover, known as seders. During each seder, which involves a ritual retelling of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, there are designated points in which participants are instructed to drink. In all, four glasses of wine are meant to be consumed. Though some merely sip a portion of the wine, many still take part in the full four-cup celebration. So, it’s important to find wines that are drinkable, enjoyable and pair with the celebratory meal.
But, for families that follow the traditional customs, the wines served will also have to be designated kosher for Passover. Whether you’re a Passover pro or were invited to your first seder, we break down the distinctions to keep in mind and which bottles to break out for dinner.
The Difference Between Kosher and Kosher-for-Passover Wines
When we speak of a food or beverage being kosher, it means that it follows specific, necessary parameters set by a respected religious authority. There are many different rules surrounding kosher foods and drinks that observing Jewish people follow year-round. This may include avoiding certain foods altogether (pork and shellfish cannot be eaten), not mixing certain ingredients (dairy and meat products cannot be eaten together) or following a specific method of production and preparation. Foods that follow these strict rules are indicated by a symbol on food products. This also holds true for wine and spirits.
However, there’s a separate certification that exists just for those foods or beverages that are also kosher for Passover. An item can be kosher all year and not be kosher for that one week—and that is where the confusion comes in.
What Makes a Wine Kosher for Passover?
A wine that is kosher for Passover will be made without grain products or leavening agents, such as any yeast that’s not kosher for Passover. Also, a kosher supervisor will oversee the ingredients, process and equipment used to ensure they meet a certain standard.
“What keeps any kosher wine kosher for Passover is simply this: Any additives—such as yeast or ML[malolactic cultures]—would need to be certified kosher for Passover,” says Jeff Morgan, founding winemaker of Covenant Winery. “Yeast [for wine] are inherently kosher for Passover, but if they were processed in a place where non-kosher ingredients were also processed, it could be a problem.”
In short: Any kosher wine will have to follow all kosher dietary laws and supervision, but kosher-for-Passover wines do this at a higher level and incorporate the grain and leavening restriction that is a hallmark of the holiday.
How to Tell if Wine Is Kosher for Passover
No one wants to bring the wrong wine as a guest to a Passover seder. Any kosher-for-Passover wine will have a “P” symbol or “Kosher for Passover” next to the kosher certification on the label.
The Best Kosher for Passover Wines to Buy
Dalton 2020 Nadav Single Vineyard Field Blend Red (Galilee)
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a nose of cassis, Mission fig, forest floor and clove. Tannins come on strong at first and then recede to reveal black cherry, purple plum, violet, olive paste and nutmeg flavors that sail into a satisfying finish. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone
Shiran 2020 The Song of the Birds Red (Galilee)
A bouquet of cassis, butterscotch and mint tea sets the stage for black cherry, blackberry, chocolate-covered caramel, eucalyptus, espresso bean, clove and lavender flavors. Extravagant tannins and equally weighted acidity sail into a mocha-scented finish. 94 Points — M. D.
Recanati 2019 Special Reserve Red (Galilee)
This deep garnet-colored wine has a bouquet of Luxardo cherry, black plum, lavender and a hint of smoke. Blackberry, raspberry, caramel, aniseed and crumbled sage leaf flavors are cloaked in opulent tannins that slowly peel away to reveal a vivid, fruit-filled finish. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — M. D.
Ghito 2018 Shani Red (Israel)
This deep violet-red wine has a bouquet of wild fruits of the wood, sage leaf and dark chocolate. A web of silky tannins supports black cherry, black currant, mocha, olive tapenade and lavender flavors with soft touches of earthiness on the lengthy finish. 94 Points — M. D.
Mia Luce 2020 Syrah and Stems Syrah (Israel)
Inky violet-red in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry and coffee bean. Satiny tannins play host to blackberry, Mission fig, milk chocolate, clove and black pepper flavors. A splash of pomegranate brightens the smooth finish. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone
Amador Cellars 2019 Petite Sirah (Amador County)
This bottling is opulent with confitured blackberry, blueberry, paprika and dried sage, woven with florals and dark chocolate. It has chewy tannins and a lengthy finish. Unfiltered and unfined, the wine shows off all its goodness. 92 Points — Tonya Pitts
Gva’ot 2021 Merlot (Shomron)
Aromas of cassis, blackberry and a touch of earthiness set the stage for black currant, Luxardo cherry and caramel flavors with a hint of smoke. Plush tannins glide along the palate and dissolve into a smoky finish. 92 Points — M.D.
Shorr Estate Winery 2019 Sha’ar Hagai Red (Negev)
Twin Suns 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
This wine is a true rarity – a kosher wine made with Willamette Valley fruit. Its rarity is matched by good quality, beginning with aromas of ripe black cherries, fresh pine needles and a trace of crushed caraway seeds or rye bread. Firm tannins and juicy acidity frame flavors like blackberries and strong-brewed black tea. 92 Points— M.A.
Shiran 2019 The Soprano Red (Judean Hills)
Deep garnet to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of cassis, blackberry and baking spices. A web of polished tannins provides a backdrop for black cherry, blueberry, clove, violet and milk chocolate flavors with a tiny hint of green bell pepper on the elongated finish. 92 Points — M.D.
FAQs
Why Are There Four Cups of Wine at Passover?
Aside from the truth that a few glasses of wine make an extended family dinner a lot easier to digest, there’s actually a reason for this tradition. Wine is symbolic of freedom, and the four cups of wine are representative of the four phrases used in the Bible to describe God leading the Jews out of slavery. The number four also has a recurring theme within the holiday.
What Is the Symbolism of Wine on Passover?
Quite simply, freedom and redemption. But as an added benefit, the wine pairs beautifully with so many Passover foods, from a crisp white with matzo ball soup to a heartier red with brisket.
Is Kosher for Passover Wine Hard to Find?
Actually, it’s rather easy! Most kosher wine is also kosher for Passover, making it easier to sell this wine (and for consumers to stock up on bottles) year-round. But that’s not the case with some spirits. For example, you’ll be unlikely to find kosher-for-Passover whiskey, as whiskey is made with grain.
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