The best tasting kosher wines have received praise from a number of wine critics and reviewers. Kosher wine is wine made while following extra rules and guidelines so that it remains in line with Jewish dietary laws, and the wines can be used to sanctify Jewish holidays and the Sabbath.
1. Yatir Forest Kosher Red Wine Blend
Yatir Forest is a red Bordeaux blend from Israel. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Tannat, this red blend frequently receives high ratings from critics. The Tasting Panel rated the 2014 vintage 96 points and Wine Enthusiast rated the 2013 vintage 91 points. Across vintages and critics, this kosher red wine blend receives an aggregate score of 90 points. Expect to pay around $85 per 750 mL bottle.
2. Covenant Wines "The Tribe" Proprietary Kosher Red Blend
This kosher wine from Sonoma County is a blend of Merlot and Zinfandel. Across vintages, Covenant "The Tribe" consistently receives high critics' ratings, including 91, 92, and 93 point ratings from Wine Enthusiast for the 2016, 2013, and 2015 vintages respectively, and a 92-point rating from Wine Spectator for the 2015 vintage. Expect to pay around $40 per bottle for a fruit-forward, soft, and slightly spicy red.
3. Covenant Cabernet Sauvignon
A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the Covenant Cabernet Sauvignon is another consistently highly rated kosher wine. Critics' ratings generally range between 90 and 93 points depending on the vintage, and the wine is both powerful and soft, making it a lovely California Cab. Expect to pay around $100 per bottle.
4. Hagafen Brut Cuvée Late Disgorged Kosher Sparkling Wine
If sparkling wine is your thing, then this lovely kosher sparkler from Napa Valley will delight you. At around $45 per bottle, the Hagafen Brut Cuvée is toasty and tasty with notes of apples and brioche. It's a traditional sparkling blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made using the traditional méthode champenoise. The 2015 vintage of this wine has won Gold in a few wine competitions, including the 2018 World Wine Competition and the 2019 American Fine Wine Competition, and Wine.com's Wilfred Wong awarded the 2012 vintage 92 points.
5. Baron Herzog Lineage Choreograph Kosher Red Blend
The Baron Herzog Lineage Choreograph is a red blend made from 12 California grape varietals into a delicious and balanced kosher red wine. It's also extremely affordable, at under $20 for a 750 mL bottle, making it even more attractive. The Tasting Panel awarded the 2016 vintage 92 points, with aromas of blackberries and cherries.
6. Recanati Special Reserve White
This kosher white wine is a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne made from grapes grown in Israel. At around $50 for a 750 mL bottle, the wine has creamy and buttery notes from malolactic fermentation, as well as toasty flavors from oak aging and flinty flavors that reflect the terroir. Wine Enthusiast rated the 2016 vintage 90 points, and Robert Parker rated the 2014 vintage 92 points. It's a consistently good wine and across vintages and critics, it receives an aggregate score of 89 points.
7. Recanti Reserve Marawi Kosher White Wine
The Recanti Reserve Marawi is a white wine from Israel made from the rare and ancient Marawi grape. It's a single vineyard wine with citrus flavors and bright acidity supported by mineral notes. Robert Parker rated the 2016 vintage 90 points, and across critics and vintages, the wine receives an aggregate critics' score of 88 points.
8. Les Floréales Sparkling Moscato
The Les Floréales, Sparkling Moscato is a mevushal sparkling Moscato wine from Italy. It costs around $16 for a 750 mL bottle, and the Jewish Week Food & Wine lists it as a top dessert, rosé, or sparkling wine in 2019. It's a sweet, sparkling Moscato wine with honeyed, tropical flavors.
Great Tasting Kosher Wines
It's easy to find great tasting kosher wines from experienced winemakers. So, if you're looking for the perfect kosher wine for your next Sabbath or holiday meal, try any of the above delicious kosher wines.
