This week I am making a departure from Ontario. I have had several people email me about Kosher wines. Unfortunately there are no Kosher wines made in Ontario, so this was something that was brand new to me. There is no need to dive into the specifics of what makes a wine Kosher. What I did learn is that wine is coming from places in the world that we may be over looking. I mean we have the basic old countries and new world wine producers but there is great wine coming from places you wouldn’t expect… how about Israel? One listener pointed out to me, when I was surprised to hear about wine production in Israel, that they have been making wine since biblical times.
Goose Bay South Island Sauvignon Blanc – $19.95 – VINTAGES 28134 – Mevushal – One thing that was pointed out to me before I tried this wine, is that it is Pasteurized. Apart from the fact that this kills the bacteria in the wine what does it mean for the taste? As far as I could tell, nothing. Much softer flavours than what you find in your typical Ontario Sauvignon Blanc, flavours of Peach and Subtle Grapefruit fill your mouth.
2009 Galil Mountain Pinot Noir (Israel) – $22.95 – VINTAGES 121228 – This was another great find, the price point is right on par with what you will spend to get a really good Ontario Pinot Noir. The nose on this is very interesting with flavours of Caramel and Spice. The flavours are a nice balance of cherry and strawberry with a nice earthiness on the finish.
