JGA Mar-Apr 10 - The Jewish Georgian

March-April 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 31
Kosher Affairs
From page 25
Cellars, located in the Napa Valley in the
heart of California’s premier wine country.
Founded in 1979, Hagafen is owned and
operated by Irit and Ernie Weir. The company
produces only 8,000 cases of wine per
year. Some of its labels, such as Don
Ernesto, are available only by direct purchase
from Hagafen or by joining one of the
Hagafen wine clubs; some labels are distributed
to select retailers and restaurants
internationally. Hagafen wines have been
served to visiting dignitaries on numerous
occasions at the White House. For more
information, or to purchase, visit hagafencellars.com
or donernesto.com—or search
for Hagafen at winezap.com.
My “tasting panel” (yes, very difficult
job) enjoyed sipping these bright varietals.
They are wonderful, value-priced table
wines. A pleasure and a treat!
2006 CRESCENDO! The label is colorful,
lively, and friendly, the name emphatic.
And that is exactly how we would
describe this red table wine—perfect for
happy occasions, any time, any day. From
the vintner: “Crescendo! is all about
combining fruit and spice in an explosive
combination. It will make you
want to finish the bottle and open
another.” (We did.) $24
2008 COLLAGE NORTH COAST
WHITE TABLE WINE. More “fun in
a bottle.” Golden, fruity, medium-bodied,
dry, friendly, this wine is good to
share with family and friends. Once
again, we even love the label. $15
2008 NAPA VALLEY VIN GROS
ROSE. This pinot noir rosé is a blush that
combines a “fruit basket of fun,” including
strawberry, lemon, cherry, pink grapefruit,
and a hint of cinnamon. The 2007 vintage
was awarded 90 points by tastings.com and
two stars by the San Francisco Chronicle.
$15
HAGAFEN CELLARS
2005 HAGAFEN PRIX MELANGE,
NAPA VALLEY. The Hagafen Prix wines
are made in small lots, with limited availability
and noted by many experts for excellence.
Several wine experts give this particular
wine high scores and consider it a joy
to consume. Only 300 cases were produced.
It was awarded 93 points by Daniel Rogov,
92 points in the World Wine
Championships, and double gold in the
Tasters Guild competition. $75
2006 LATE HARVEST CHARDONNAY.
This unique wine is fruity and smooth, with
a touch of natural sweetness due to its late
harvest. It is a gold-medal winner (Indy
International Competition), and was awarded
93 points (exceptional) at the 2008
World Wine Championships. Our tasting
panel “loved the wine....fabulous, especially
for dessert!” $36 (half bottle)
2009 HAGAFEN LAKE COUNTY
WHITE RIESLING. From the organically
certified Devoto vineyards, this wine has a
light, sweet taste combining white peach,
mandarin, apricot, pineapple, and papaya.
Pair it with meals for an aperitif or a bit of
sweetness. $18
RECANATI
Recanati is an artisan winery founded
by Lenny Recanati, fulfilling his lifelong
dream of connecting the land of Israel with
his passion for fine wine. Today, the
Recanati winery is the 6th largest winery in
Israel. The wines are available worldwide.
Recanati Yasmin wines are delightful.
Produced in Israel, the Yasmin line is once
again going to be on my Passover table. The
taste and quality of both the white and the
red are on par with costlier choices, and
both are value priced. Yasmin wines are
mevushal (boiled; therefore, they are kosher
no matter who serves them) and have
become popular choices for large receptions
and events.
RECANATI YASMIN RED. This blend of
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz is
light, fruity, medium-bodied,
and versatile. $11
RECANATI YASMIN
WHITE. This blend of
Riesling, Sauvignon
Blanc, and Colombard is
medium-bodied, refreshing,
and fruity. It pairs
well with appetizers,
poultry, fish, and vegetarian
entrees. $11
Recanati also offers some
exceptional, collectible
wines and we have selected
three to share:
CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE
2007. I have recently tried this superb wine.
This full-bodied red is fine to drink now, but
according to the winemaker, it “should age
well over the next decade.” This is one to
collect and store. $25
PETITE SIRAH RESERVE 2006. This is
another exceptional choice from Recanati,
made from select grapes from the slopes of
the Upper and Lower Galilee. Perfect with
rich stews and hearty dishes. Decant one
hour before drinking, and serve at cool
room temperature. $26
DIAMOND SERIES ROSE is an enjoyable,
very light choice, on the sweet side.
Pair it with fish, poultry, and vegetarian
appetizers. I think that it is perfect to pack
for a spring picnic—even if you’re eating
matzoh sandwiches. $15
Recanati wines are available at several
Atlanta locations, including Clairmont
Sam’s Club and Kroger Toco Hill. You can
find them online at kosherwine.com and
read reviews at Snooth.com. For more
information, visit recanati-winery.com.
As we drink the four glasses at our
Seders, we relive our past and pray for
renewed peace, spiritual growth, unity, and
freedom for the Jewish people everywhere.