Shavuos is primarily a time of joy, moderate indulgence, and gratitude as we celebrate the receiving of the Torah. It’s also a holiday that brings us together around festive meals, often featuring rich dairy dishes, but also festive meats. Some even have the minhag to start with a milchig meal and then mark a pause, switch dishes, and finish with a fleishig meal. All of this is to say that it creates opportunities to play around with wine pairings. Considering that, at least for the first meal of yom tov we want to keep our energy and focus on Torah learning for most or all of the night, the emphasis should be on quality rather than on quantity. With that in mind, here are some great options to consider:
Shiloh, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023
While Shiloh is mostly famous for its reds, there’s also something special about the Sauvignon Blanc. It is a refreshing and approachable white that combines vibrant citrus fruit notes with complexity and crisp acidity. Notes of ripe grapefruit, Meyer lemon, fresh hay, and earthy minerals create a wine that’s both lively and nuanced. Best served slightly chilled, it’s the perfect match for a platter of soft cheeses or a creamy mushroom risotto.
J. de Villebois, Pouilly-Fumé, Les Silex Blancs, 2023
The Loire Valley is becoming increasingly prolific with new kosher offerings every year. This is a rather high-end Pouilly-Fumé, an appellation/subregion of the Loire Valley known for its unique expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. I recommend comparing this wine and the aforementioned Shiloh side by side just to see how different wines made with the same grape variety and from the same vintage can be tasty yet so different. This wine is floral, zesty, with citrus peel notes like lime and grapefruit, while subtle hints of earthy, saline minerals and grass add complexity. It is a great pairing with creamy pastas, soft cheeses, grilled red snapper, or even a crispy schnitzel.
Zion, Capital, Rosé, 2023
Israel’s growing reputation for exceptional rosé wines continues with the Zion Capital Rosé. While Zion is one of Israel’s oldest wineries, its wines have been flying a bit under the radar in some circles. This rosé is so vibrant, lively, and well-balanced that I chose it for my four cups this past Pesach. And the cherry on top, it’s very much affordable. With a pale yet bright pink color and notes of lavender, cherry, strawberry, pink grapefruit, and herbaceous flavors, this wine is ideal for lighter dishes like gravlax, Greek salad and sushi.
Pinto, Grenache, 2021
It is time to take this hidden gem out of the shadows! A beautiful expression of Israel’s unique Negev desert terroir, with Grenache Noir grapes grown in a hot and arid climate. This wine balances good acidity with ripe red fruit aromas, complemented by earthy undertones and hints of roasted meat, herbs, and spices. It’s a medium wine that pairs wonderfully with fleishig dishes such as grilled lamb chops, short ribs, or savory empanadas.
Baron Herzog, Pinot Grigio, 2023
The Baron Herzog Pinot Grigio is a standout example of this popular variety, offering a welcome departure from the usual boring, one-dimensional citrusy notes. Not that there is anything wrong with citrusy notes, they’re there too. Instead, it’s filled with additional flavors of white peach, apricot, and tropical fruits like papaya and guava. The vibrant yet rounder, but balanced profile typical of Pinot Grigio makes it a versatile wine that pairs well with herb-crusted veal chops or delicate dishes like trout baked in butter and almonds.
L’chaim!
