There’s no such thing as graduation from sweet wine. Many wine lovers recall with disgust a time in their wine drinking careers where they would only drink sweet wines, and made the proud transition to dry wine only. Certainly, there is a time and place for the goopy purple stuff, which has the potential to expand one’s perspective on wine. However, the sweetness has a place in the purview of a connoisseur as well. I know in my case (this is Andrew, your Kosher Sommelier speaking), one of the most inspirational wines I had in my earliest wine drinking experiences was in fact a sweet wine – namely Sauternes.
The Sauternes appellation is located in the Southwest region of Bordeaux, and is known for its rich and opulent sweet wines. Produced mainly from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, the grapes are deliberately left on the vine late into the harvest season. Aside from developing copious quantities of sugar, the grapes will also contract the botrytis mold, which shrivels the grapes and concentrates and intensifies the flavors. The result is a layered, intense wine, with balanced sweetness, charming acidity, and a finish that can go on and on. The wine also has the gift of longevity when kept in proper conditions.
Today we have the immense luxury to have several kosher Sauternes produced from very notable estates in Bordeaux. Without the usual hyperbole, many of these wines have truly equalled or exceeded their non kosher equivalents. We are pleased to present these in our store for your consideration.
