L’chaim! Chill out or warm up — no need to choose
This year, Sukkot presents us with a culinary and vinous dilemma. In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed a bit of a roller-coaster of weather changes and temperature fluctuations. Deciding between a hearty chicken salad and a succulent roast won’t be easy. This predicament is further complicated by the uncertainty of whether we’ll be dining al fresco in the sukkah or, chas v’shalom, indoors in the dining room. Baruch Hashem, “wine gladdens the heart of man” (Tehilim, 104:15). So, regardless of the weather, we’ll have excellent wine to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah.
It’s important to remember that whites and rosés are not reserved for summertime sipping alone and are just as enjoyable in chilly weather. Consider the Sonoma Loeb Dignitary Chardonnay 2021; it was made in cooperation with Herzog’s head winemaker, David Galzignato, and hails from Sonoma County, California. Its harmonious blend of generous acidity and delicious tropical fruit notes renders it both invigorating and a great pairing with a stuffed veal pocket.
The excellent Jezreel Rosé 2021, now two years past harvest, has retained its freshness and is perfect for cooling off during warm moments in the sukkah. It is also a delightful accompaniment to challah, lox, and cream cheese during shalosh seudos, since the first day of Sukkos falls on Shabbos this year.
Many of us eagerly anticipate indulging in some barbecue during chol hamoed; Château Malmaison 2021, a classic Bordeaux, magnificently complements grilled and meaty flavors. It hails from the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation in northern Bordeaux wine country and belongs to the heirs of the late Barons Edmond and Benjamin de Rothschild. Recent improvements to the winery, along with a talented winemaker, have resulted in a wine characterized by richness and a velvety texture.
Les Roches de Yon 2020 is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux from Saint-Emilion. Offering layers of elegance and intricate notes of red fruit, earth, graphite, and minerals, this wine will elevate any meal.
With copious amounts of food, a delightful way to unwind before a nap or while engaging in Torah study is to indulge in a digestif. Customary in Europe to aid digestion, a digestif finds a worthy representative in Poire Prisonnière from Massenez in Alsace. With notes of sweet Anjou pear, this spirit shines when served ice cold but provides a comforting warmth when savored at room temperature on chillier evenings.
And nothing exudes the elegance of a yom tov celebration like a glass of Cognac. Whether enjoyed neat or paired with light snacks like caramelized pecans or salted peanuts, a sip of Roland Bru XO Cognac will bring a smile of satisfaction to your festivities.
Chag Sameyach and l’chaim!
Kedem/Royal Wine
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