Tips for wine choices perfect for the holiday.
Passover is the holiday characterized by wine and relatives. Not only are we commanded to drink four cups of it, wine also greatly improves the joy of this impending family reunion. Passover provides the perfect excuse to stock up on great wines for the whole year, especially thanks to all the deals taking place in wine shops leading up to the holiday.
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General Wine Tips:
1. Nothing makes or breaks an evening more than not having enough wine to go around. Calculate the amount of wine needed according to the number of guests invited. As a rule of thumb, a bottle of 750 ml is enough for five or six cups.
2. As the saying goes variety is the spice of life, and wine is no exception! During the meal, one should diversify the different wines served and so that each guest can find a wine matching his own taste. To add richness and interest to the meal, we recommend purchasing both red and white wines and take into account not only the importance of matching wine to food, but also yours and your guests’ personal preferences.
3. Where you shop is an important factor in finding the right wine. Preferably, purchases should take place at specialized wine stores where professional help, recommendations and wine information can be easily attained.
In such shops the wine is maintained properly ensuring that the vino you take home has been handled with care. Do not be tempted to buy in a store that does not keep wine in the necessary conditions, for though their price point may seem to be a discount, you in fact may bring home very expensive vinegar in place of high quality wine.
Wine is a product that is especially sensitive to temperature changes, light and heat. To ensure the excellence of the wine you have purchased, do not leave it in your vehicle for extended periods of time or in a place with drastic climate changes.
4. When buying wines it is important to remember the distinction between young and aged wines. Young wines should be enjoyed within their recent vintage, which is when they are in their prime. As discussed previously, we recommend that aged wines be purchased in specialty shop in which their quality will be maintained.
5. Wine glasses can enhance the overall drinking experience. Allow your guests to fully taste the varying layers and qualities of the wine with differing styles of professional wine glasses. It is preferred to have different glasses for reds and whites, though the tastes of wine can still be enjoyed in a spotty glass.
6. Sometimes size does matter, and that is usually the case with a bottle of wine. The standard size of a wine bottle is 750 ml. Some wines (though usually not of the premium variety) may be found in a smaller size of 375 ml (termed „a couple’s bottle”).
The 1.5 liter „magnum” series adds a unique „wow” factor to the evening. This bottle size not only provides high quality wine to accompany the meal, but also transforms any table to one of festivity and pomp.
For those wine lovers who aren’t satisfied with the compact 750 ml. bottles, the single magnum bottles are your perfect match. Single magnum bottles come with unique advantages, such as often slower aging processes due to the large surface area and relatively low oxygen level, providing a unique drinking experience different from a standard bottle of 750 ml. Additionally beneficial is that this exceptionally sized bottle air raids on its own, providing a built in decanter which allows the wine to breath.
The Golan Heights Winery’s line of magnum wines include: magnum Yarden Merlot, magnum Yarden Cabernet, magnum Yarden Syrah, magnum Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon, and single vineyard wines, which are produced in special limited series and sold exclusively in limited stores.
Preparing for the Feast at Home
1. Serving temperature: white wines as well as sparkling should be cooled at least 4 hours in advance (though do not be tempted to put them in the freezer!) and one must ensure that the wines continue to remain cool during the meal. To do so, the use of a spanier (sort of a large ice bucket filled with water and ice) is recommended. Red wines should be drunk at a temperature of 18-20 degrees.
2. Dealing with open bottles: wine will usually remain drinkable and high quality for up to three days after opening. White wines, sparkling wines and sweet wines should be kept in the fridge. Sparkling wines should be closed especially well. Wine bottle vacuum pumps can be used for reds and whites to guarantee that the flavors and aromas of the wine will remain for even three days. After three days, it is recommended to use open wine bottles for cooking.
3. Cooking with wine: wine is a raw material therefore its flavor and fragrance adds greatly to any dish. Try to coordinate cooking with wine to compliment the tastes of the dish (sweet, sour, aromatic, etc.).
Not every dish requires an expensive wine for cooking, but quality wine will enhance the flavors of the dish. An interesting tip is to cook with the wine that will be accompanying the meal, a perfect way to ignite the taste buds of your guests.
Wine recommendations for a traditional Passover meal and more!
· When serving wine to guests who (think) they don’t like wine- choose a white semi dry or young fruity red or white wine, such as: the Gamla Riesling, Yarden Gewurztraminer, the new and popular Mt. Hermon Indigo or Mt. Hermon Moscato for a sweeter choice that is low in alcohol.
· For those guests favoring lighter wines- serve a wine that has been aged in undergone a shorter aging process or that has been aged in wooden barrels like: Mt. Hermon Red, Gamla Pinot Noir, Golan Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamla Merlot.
· Those who are searching for a wine with a presence, look no further than the Gamla reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese or Syrah. If feeling particularly festive this Passover, treat yourself to a wine from the Yarden series such as the award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, the classic Merlot or the impeccable Syrah. Surprise yourself as well as your guests with the Yarden 2T, a wine truly described as this holiday’s best „trump card”.
For additional recommendations, requests or questions always feel free to contact the Golan Heights Winery.
From all of us at the winery, we wish you a happy Passover and a hearty l’chaim!