With Passover approaching, I have received several inquiries recently about kosher wine. Despite what might have been the case in the past, it is now much easier to shop for kosher wine. The selection of good quality kosher wines has expanded considerably in recent years. There are kosher products available from California, France, Italy, Australia and Chile, as well as Israel.

Any grape variety or wine style can be certified as Kosher if it is produced according to prescribed Jewish dietary laws. Kosher wine making laws require that all equipment must be used exceptionally for the production of kosher wine. The wine may only be handled by Sabbath-observing Jews from the crushing of the grapes through consumption.

If the wine is Mevushal (pasteurized) then it may be served by a non-Jew, such as a waiter. This method of boiling wine has been modified and perfected in order to least affect the wine’s quality. No animal products may be used during production. Some non-Kosher wine makers use gelatin or egg whites for clarifying.

Kosher wines produced in Israel have additional laws that must be observed. No fruit from the vines may be consumed until the fourth year after planting and the fields must lay fallow every seventh year. No other fruits or vegetables may be grown between the vines. In additional, one tenth of each year’s yield must be discarded as tithe and all barrels must be cleaned three times.

The overly sweet wines that have been historically synonymous with Kosher were, for the most part, the result of early Jewish settlers in New York having only Concord grapes available for their wine making. Sugar was used to balance this highly acidic grape, resulting in the sweet, dark red wines that this category is traditionally known for.

Today, much has changed. You’ll be surprised at the large selection of kosher wines available at a variety of price points. All are clearly labeled and easily identifiable.

From California, the Baron Herzog winery produces a Kosher Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Zinfandel, while Weinstock offers a White Zinfandel.

From France, you’ll find Fortant’s kosher selection of Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; while Italy offers Bartenura Pinot Grigio and Moscato d’Asti under the kosher label.

Australia’s kosher wine products include Teal Lake Chardonnay, Cabernet-Merlot and Shiraz-Cabernet, while Chile has Alfasi Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Israel offers numerous kosher choices, including Barkan’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamla’s Chardonnay and Muscat, Golan’s Caberenet Sauvignon and Smadar, and Yarden’s Mt. Hermon Red and Mt. Hermon White.

There is sparkling kosher wine available as well. Baron Herzog offers a Brut, Kedem makes a Pink and a White, and Yarden produces a Blanc de Blancs.